810 Varsity  Game of the Week
(on ESPN Kansas City 99.3 FM)
No. 22 Blue Valley North (6-4) at No. 8 SM East (9-1)

The brackets have played out as expected in Kansas Class 6A and this is a matchup of two teams that have completely contrasting styles of play. The Lancers play old school football and love to grind it out and have been very efficient in that area with 3,400 yards rushing on the season. Running back Milton Braasch is one of the most under-rated players in Kansas City, and he’s rushed for 1,500 yards and 26 touchdowns this season. Blue Valley North counters with Wisconsin-bound junior quarterback Graham Mertz. Mertz has thrown for 2,655 yards and 34 touchdowns this season and only six interceptions. This is a game that should produce a lot of points, but East is a little bit deeper on the defensive side of the ball and they don’t turn over the football. That’s a recipe to win in the playoffs, especially on a cold November evening. But if there’s anybody that has the weapons to compete with East, it’s Blue Valley North.

Key Kansas Class 6A games
Class 6 bracket

No. 15 Olathe North (7-3) at Blue Valley (7-3)
These two proud programs reached the 6A quarterfinals in different fashions. Coach Chris McCartney’s squad has caught fire at the right time, as Olathe North has won six straight games after losing three of its first four. The Eagles’ 35-14 victory over Lawrence last week was one of the most impressive wins in the entire city last week. Blue Valley has been up and down this season. After getting blown out by Bishop Miege (like everybody else this season), the Tigers won three straight before St. James upset them in late September. BV won two games before Aquinas ran all over them. The Tigers have been inconsistent on the offensive side of the ball all season, and the Eagles’ strength is on the defensive side of the ball. Definitely expect a low-scoring game and it’s a game that could go either way.

Derby at No. 3 Free State

Derby is the defending Class 6A champions, and while the Panthers are a young squad they’ve matured at the right time. Derby is playing its best football of the season and Brandon Clark knows how to coach his players up in big games. For Free State this is one of the biggest games in school history and the Firebirds will be ready. They sent a message last week by blasting a good Junction City squad 49-14. If Free State plays like that again Friday night, they’ll advance to the semifinals where the winner likely faces Wichita Northwest.

Key Kansas Class 5A game
Class 5 bracket

Mill Valley (6-4) at St. James (8-2)
With Aquinas expected to get past Pittsburg at home, all eyes in 5A are on this great matchup against two Western Johnson rivals. For the first time in school history, St. James beat Mill Valley earlier the season. Many Mill Valley folks will tell you it was a game the Jaguars gave away, as quarterback Brody Flaming threw multiple interceptions and the ground game was inexistent. However, this isn’t the same Mill Valley team. The Jags are playing like the two-time defending 5A champs and should be favored heading into Friday night, especially after blowout victories over Topeka Seaman and Schlagle in the first two rounds of the playoffs. St. James can play the lack of respect card again, and it worked earlier this season. The Thunder haven’t won pretty in the playoffs, but it has won. SJA will rely on its workhorse at running back Jack Petz. If he gets going and the Jags revert to turning the ball over, the Thunder will advance.

Missouri Class 6 semifinal
Class 6 bracket

No. 5 Blue Springs (10-2) at No. 4 Park Hill (10-2)

This is a rematch of one of an instant classic from earlier this season when Park Hill was able to hang on after a furious Blue Springs rally to win 28-25 in Week 4. Quarterback Billy Maples was clutch in that game, but he’s been up and down in playoff wins over Lee’s Summit and Rockhurst. However, he does have the best offensive weapon in the city to throw to – receiver Ronnie Bell. Bell, a Missouri State commitment, has been magic in the playoffs. Last week against Rockhurst, he had 181 yards receiving and three scores and people held their breath every time he touched the ball on special teams. He’ll be the X factor on Friday.

As talented as Blue Springs is, they don’t have anybody that can matchup with him. If the Wildcats try to double-team Bell, then that’ll open running lanes for Dorian Clayton, who had 165 yards against a good Rockhurst run defense. Blue Springs hasn’t been flashy in its playoff wins, but the Wildcats’ have done exactly what is needed to advance – run the football. Blue Springs has so many weapons at the running back spot, and Aveion Bailey has been playing well, that it’ll be tough to stop. Park Hill’s defense is just a little bit better than Blue Springs’ and that’s why it should have the edge Friday night, but this game could easily be another instant classic.

Key Missouri Class 5 game
Class 5 bracket

No. 9 Fort Osage (7-3) at No. 2 Staley (11-0)
Staley has rolled through everybody this season. Everybody but Fort Osage. Earlier this season the Falcons outlasted the Indians 22-16, and in every other game they’ve outscored opponents by 34 points a game or 381 points. 381 points. Staley gets it done with quarterback John Raybourn’s dual-threat ability. He’s emerged as the leading candidate for player of the year in the city with 2,649 yards passing and 38 touchdown passes and 637 yards rushing. Fort Osage’s defense is stout and has given up 14 points or less in six games. The question mark for Fort O is on offense matched up against Staley’s talented defense. That question mark – plus an unstoppable Raybourn – push Staley through to the Class 5 semifinals.

Missouri Class 4 bracket