Crunch time of the high school football season is officially upon us. Humboldt, Crest, and Marmaton Valley all gear up for the first week of playoffs, while Iola and Southern Coffey County prepare for consolation games. Here are the matchups for week 9:
Iola @ Parsons
The Mustangs travel to Parsons in a rematch of Iolas week 1 loss to the Vikings. But remember, that game required five overtimes.
Iola is coming off a brutal defeat to Prairie View last Friday, a shutout for the second time this season by a score of 41-0. A lot has changed since the Mustangs last traveled to Parsons. Iola has been without starting quarterback Bradyn Cole since week 1, and has even adjusted their offensive scheme to an I-formation.
Parsons hasnt seen much success since their week 1 victory over the Mustangs. The Vikings sit at 2-6, with their most recent win coming in week 4 against Baxter Springs. Because of their lackluster seasons, Fridays matchup is a toss-up. If the Mustangs show up ready to play, there is no reason why 2019 cant end on a good note for the Iola team.
Winner: Iola
Central Heights vs.
Humboldt
The Cubs finished the regular season undefeated for the second consecutive year. The engine fueling the Cub machine has been senior quarterback Conor Haviland, who earned 322 yards rushing on 17 carries in last weeks 50-8 win over Southeast-Cherokee. Haviland also displayed the ability to strike in the air as well, completing 4/4 for 63 yards passing and touchdown to Kyle Kobold.
Central Heights finished the season 2-6, and is riding a two-game winning streak. On Oct. 18, the Vikings shut out McLouth 32-0, and scraped bt West Franklin 22-18 last Friday. Although the Vikings have built some momentum in the late stages of the season, number-five ranked Humboldt should have no issue advancing to the second round of the playoff season with the ground attack they possess.
Winner: Humboldt
Marais des Cygnes Valley vs. Crest
The Lancers finished second in their district behind powerhouse St. Paul with a 5-3 record overall. Crest currently rides a four-game winning streak, shutting out Altoona-Midway last Friday 20-0. The Lancer offense has accumulated 150 points over the course of the win streak, while allowing only 18 points.
