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| Lawrence Free State, with the help of players like Ryan Patterson, center, has won six of their last seven games. Photo courtesy the Lawrence Journal World. |
This game could come down to the durability of an ankle--Brad Strauss' ankle that is. According to the Lawrence Journal World, Strauss' status is pending but he will be making an effort to start. While the talented junior won't be fully mobile if he does play, he still has the arm and the offensive weapons to get things done for the Chesty Lions. On the other hand Free State is arguably the hottest team in the league right now and they wouldn't be an easy out even if Strauss was completely healthy.
SM North (2-6) at Leavenworth (1-7) at Leavenworth
The Indians vs. the Pioneers, round two. Last year these two teams were in the exact same situation in week nine. Leavenworth gained an early lead, before SM North came back to claim the victory and playoff berth. With similar circumstances at play this time around one can anticipate another great game between these two teams.
Olathe North (5-3) at Olathe Northwest (4-4) at CBAC
The winner of this game will most likely qualify for the playoffs. Olathe Northwest has been the little brother amongst the Olathe schools since joining the league in 2004, but that title could quickly change if they were able to knock off proverbial heavyweight Olathe North. The Eagles are reeling, but they aren't down just yet.
SM East (4-4) at SM South (2-6) at SM South District Stadium
Win or go home in this game. SM East is favored especially with a healthy Dakota Collins back at quarterback, but there's no guarantees against a feisty foe from SM South. The Raiders are led by the most productive running back in the league in Gabe Guild and they've certainly shown flashes of being a pretty good team during the season, despite their 2-6 record.
SM Northwest (3-5) at Wyandotte (2-6) at Wyandotte
SM Northwest has already qualified for the playoffs and so this game is merely a chance to make their record look a little better heading into next week. The Cougars haven't been impressive in district play, but they've managed to come away with the necessary wins.
Blue Valley North (0-8) at SM West (5-3) at SM North District Stadium
This has the potential to be a trap game for SM West, given the fact that they've already claimed a playoff berth and BV North hasn't won a game all season long. Assuming the Vikes take this one seriously it could be a great tune up before they begin playoff action next week.
Game of the Week
Olathe East (7-1) at Olathe South (7-1) at ODAC
There's too much riding on this game for it not to be the Game of the Week. Olathe South, who began the season on a six game terror, suffered a loss in district play to BV Northwest, and they will only make the playoffs if they are able to beat Olathe East. If Olathe South is able to come away victorious, they will not only qualify for the playoffs, but they'll also be the outright Sunflower League Champion for 2011.
Olathe East has the chance to play spoiler. A win would eliminate Olathe South from the playoffs, give the Hawks a share of the Sunflower League title, and also make the Hawks the top overall seed in the Kansas 6A East bracket for the playoffs.
