Check out Wichita’s top regional championships + the Varsity Kansas Game of the Week
Maize South at Maize
Some Maize South graduates still remember the scores.
The only times the crosstown high school football rivals have played each other was 2014 and 2015. The Mavericks won both meetings, and the two schools haven’t met since because they’re in different leagues despite being just 2.5 miles apart.
But The Eagles aren’t the same program anymore, either.
In the 2014-15 seasons, Maize won five games combined. Now the Eagles are 8-1, the No. 2 seed in Class 5A West and one of the most complete teams in the Wichita area.
Maize South is riding a six-game win streak after its 21-17 win over Andover. With both programs hot and a couple of communities that rally around them, Friday should provide an outstanding atmosphere.
Prediction: Maize 35, Maize South 28
Salina Central at Bishop Carroll
Bishop Carroll couldn’t have been thrilled with its defensive effort last week. The Golden Eagles gave up 34 points to Newton and won by six.
Salina Central is a different animal.
Mustangs senior running back Taylon Peters has been among the top rushers in Kansas, but he enters the regional championship nursing some injuries.
If Carroll can contain the Central passing attack, the Golden Eagles could be looking at a Week 1 rematch with Wichita Northwest.
Prediction: Bishop Carroll 34, Salina Central 28
Andover Central at Goddard
They know each other well ... but not in this way.
Goddard and Andover Central have played seven times but never in the postseason.
With Goddard dropping down to Class 4A for the 2018 season, the Lions have what many consider an easier route through the playoffs. But the Jaguars are riding momentum.
Andover Central started the season 1-4. Since their road loss to Great Bend, the Jaguars are 3-0. Goddard will be the toughest opponent during the streak.
Prediction: Goddard 21, Andover Central 14
Chaparral at Conway Springs
This was supposed to be the top small-school matchup in the Wichita area.
The first time they met, in Week 7, Conway Springs won by 30 on the road. Now the Cardinals will look to avoid the upset at home.
Conway Springs hasn’t lost since last year’s regional round. The Roadrunners will be trying to play the same role Hesston did in 2017.
Prediction: Conway Springs 49, Chaparral 28
Emporia at Wichita Northwest
Emporia is one of the toughest 5-4 regional opponents in Kansas.
The Spartans have played one of the most difficult schedules in the state, and they will hope that pays off against Northwest. But the Grizzlies are unlike anything Emporia has seen.
From top to bottom, Northwest might have the most talent in the state. The offense is hitting its peak, and the defense is starting to clamp down.
Prediction: Wichita Northwest 45, Emporia 28
Kapaun at Great Bend
Great Bend hasn’t scored less than 30 points in a game since Week 2.
The good news for Kapaun fans: The offense is coming around. Kapaun scored 48 against Hays in the first round, the most points scored against a non-City League team since 2015.
The Crusaders will likely have to keep up on the scoreboard on the road, and they have proven they can.
Prediction: Kapaun 35, Great Bend 31
Garden Plain at Hutchinson-Trinity
The Owls’ offense is soaring, and they will need it Friday.
Garden Plain beat previously one-loss Douglass by 39 in the first round. But against Hutch-Trinity the first time, it didn’t go well.
In Week 5, Garden Plain lost 20-7 on the road against the Celtics. The Owls will be looking for a bit of redemption to keep their season alive.
Prediction: Hutchinson-Trinity 28, Garden Plain 21
Buhler at Wellington
The momentum seems to have shifted.
Buhler has won three of its past four after losing back-to-back home games. And Wellington lost to Mulvane to end the regular season and wasn’t dominant against one-win Rose Hill in the first round.
But Wellington has the experience, a talented roster and home-field advantage.
Prediction: Wellington 21, Buhler 17
This story was originally published November 1, 2018 at 12:37 PM.