The high school football season is officially past the halfway point as we enter week 5. These are the matchups in the Allen County Area for Friday night:
Osawatomie vs. Iola
It is homecoming week for the winless Mustangs, and Friday presents a great opportunity to get on the winning track. Iola debuted its I-formation offense against Anderson County last week, and saw slight improvement. Penalties were drive killers for the Mustangs, and third-and-long situations are difficult to convert with a limited passing attack.
Head coach David Daugharthy had high praise for his defense in the beginning of the season, but they have been unable to live up to expectations. Last week the Mustangs were simply overpowered, and it didnt help that start defensive lineman, Logan Brown, was ejected.
Osawatomie is 1-3, with its only win coming at home against Parsons (42-20). The Mustangs lost to Parsons in a five-overtime thriller, but could have won big if the Mustangs had converted all of their redzone opportunities. Questions remain who will start at quarterback. TJ Taylor replaced Casen Barker for the second half. Barker was sidelined for his display of frustration to the Mustang coaching staff. Landon Carson is also in the mix to start at quarterback this week. If Carson does start for the Mustangs, it will be his first time under center at the high school level. Daugharthy said the Mustangs always turn up for homecoming, and they will need to, in order to get their first win.
Winner: Osawatomie
Humboldt @ Erie
The Cubs rolled past Jayhawk-Linn 44-0 last week, and Conor Haviland led the way, earning 260 yards rushing on 8 carries to go along with 4 touchdowns. Havilands stats for the season are rushing for 851 yards on 56 carries and 15 TDs. His play is a big reason the Cubs are ranked fifth in the state in 2A. Josh Hull has also been a wrecking ball. Last week he racked up 2 sacks and a fumble recovery.
As long as the stars are shining for Humboldt, they show no signs of slowing down in the regular season. Their test this week is against 1-3 Erie, who is coming off a huge loss to Riverton (50-12). The Cubs will have no problem dealing with the Red Devils, and expect another huge lead at halftime to be on the cards.
Winner: Humboldt
Marmaton Valley @ Crest
It is homecoming week for the Lancers, who are looking to get back on the winning track after three consecutive losses. Last week, the Lancers were shut out by fourth-ranked St. Paul 48-0. Crest is facing a Marmaton Valley squad full of confidence after a win over Southern Coffey County. The Wildcats scored 26 unanswered points in the second half to overturn a two-point halftime deficit.
Expect the Lancers to be hungry for a win, and get playmakers Tyson Hermreck and Zach Beckmon involved early to provide some points. The Lancers havent been on the scoreboard since their week 2 match against Burlingame. The Lancers will need to strike early, and keep up the pace of the game in order to tire out a thinned Wildcat roster. If Crest is able to get in an early groove, expect them to enjoy a homecoming win.
Winner: Crest
