Print edition: 
Class 5A
No. 1 Hutchinson (6-0) at No. 3 McPherson (6-0)
Hutchinson has dominated the past five seasons, winning four consecutive Class 6A titles and 5A in 2008. This might be one of Hutch's best teams, and it's definitely the best team in the state.
McPherson is coached by Tom Young, who won his 300th game on Sept. 25. The Bullpups are a balanced offensive team with a passing game that could test Hutch.
The history: Hutchinson coach Randy Dreiling said when he was hired — the Salthawks were in the midst of a 27-game losing streak — that the expectations were for him to just beat McPherson, which is less than 30 miles from Hutchinson.
The players: Hutchinson is primarily a running team, with Josh Smith (942 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns) and Deveon Dinwiddie (873 rushing, 12 Tds). Quarterback Cooper Bell is a likely starter after missing several weeks with an injury.
McPherson is led by quarterback Joel Piper, who has 1,115 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. Kevin O'Conner has 581 rushing yards.
Class 4A
No. 2 Buhler (6-0) at No. 1 Andale (6-0)
In December, we might be looking back at this game as the real Class 4A title game — the east side of the state doesn't appear to have a team the caliber of Buhler and Andale. Then again, it's possible these teams will meet later in the 4A playoffs, too. Just not in the title game.
The history: Andale has a strong 4A tradition, winning the 2006 and '07 titles with perfect records. Buhler is 2-5 against Andale and last beat the Indians in 1990. Andale has won the past five seasons.
The players: Buhler has one of the state's top running backs in Jorden Oden, who has 1,546 yards, averaging 12.3 yards per carry.
Andale's rushing attack is led by James Tipton (674), one of three backs with more than 300 rushing yards. Offensive linemen BJ Finney, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound senior, stands out.
Class 3A
No. 1 Garden Plain (6-0) at No. 2 Conway Springs (6-0)
The towns are 20 miles apart and it's common for family members to have relatives on both teams. The most common name between the two towns over the years is Pauly.
Just as in 4A, we might be looking back on this game as the real 3A title game. The east side isn't as strong as either one of these teams, and it's likely that they'll meet in the semifinals, just like last year.
The history: In the past two years, 3A has been dominated by these two. Conway Springs won in 2008, while Garden Plain won in 2007. Conway Springs also won in 1998 and from 2001-04. Last season, Garden Plain won the regular-season game, but Conway Springs won the semifinal.
The players: Both teams rely heavily on the run. Garden Plain is led by Seth Klausmeyer (505 rushing), while Daniel Youngers has 294 rushing yards. Quarterback Thomas Bugner has 768 passing yards on 46 attempts.
Conway Springs' top back is quarterback Caleb Brill, who has 901 rushing yards.
—Joanna Chadwick
