Phillipsburg (10-0) at Larned (3-7)
Larned proved why the Central Kansas League is so tough with a 35-30 upset Class 3A playoff victory over Cimarron. The Indians will get a second chance against state-ranked Phillipsburg at 7 p.m. Saturday after losing 50-0 the first time the teams met.
The Indians last home playoff game occurred in 1985 when they beat Haven 10-6.
“We want to compete to win the football game,” said Larned coach A.B. Stokes.
The Indians’ front five of center Jordan Taylor, guards Tim Gardea and Kelton Barrett and tackles Jeremiah Slattery and De’Shaun Clark helped the Indians rush for 356 yards against Cimarron. TB Kolby Keith rushed for 167 yards and Anthony McConnell added 83 yards. Backs Nate Williams and Brandon Bartz have also contributed.
“Our offensive line’s play has been huge,” said Stokes. “The last four games. we’ve averaged more than 300 yards per game. The ability to run the football allows you to slow the game down. It’s been a gradual process where our team has gotten more comfortable running our offense. We’ve continued to tweake our offense.”
Stokes said the Indians have limited turnovers and penalties with a 3-1 record after an 0-6 start.
“It’s hard to describe what we’re doing. But it feels very satisfying to see the hard work pay off,” he said. “We are getting better at performing our assignments. We want to play a clean and physical football game.”
Stokes said Phillipsburg is a solid football team after winning the Class 2A state championship last year.
Phillipsburg beat Riley County 49-27 in Tuesday’s playoff game. RB Kirk Coomes scored three TDs and rushed for 115 yards.
“We understand how good and how well coached Phillipsburg is,” Stokes said. “We’re a battle-tested football team.”
Hoisington (10-0) at Norton (6-3)
The No. 1 ranked Class 3A Cardinals cruised past Lakin 56-13 to advance into Saturday’s 5 p.m. playoff game at Norton.
Norton beat Marysville 28-20 Norton QB Jace Ruder scored on a 70-yard run. The 6-3, 205-pounder has Division I football offers from Kansas State, Toledo and Ohio U. Ruder has passed for 1,369 yards and 13 TDs and rushed for 684 yards and 15 scores. TB Tevin Petrie has rushed for 1,074 yards and 11 TDs.
“Jace Ruder is the best quarterback we’ve seen,” said Hoisington coach Zach Baird.
Hoisington counters with TB Hunter Hanzlick 91,490 yards, 25 TDs), RB Cameron Davis (946 yards, 13 TDs), RB Seann Urban (635 yards, 7 TDs) and QB Tyler Specht (414 yards passing, 5 TDs).
Spearville (10-0) at Central Plains (10-0)
Defending Eight-Man 1 state champion Spearville and 2015 state champion Central Plains will meet for the third straight season at 3 p.m. Saturday at Claflin. Central Plains outlasted Spearville 42-36 two years ago and the Royal Lancers beat the Oilers 58-28 last year. The Royal Lancers are riding a 23-game winning streak.
The Oilers converted an interception by Kade Beck and a fumble recovery by Dalton Beck in a 60-20 victory over attica-Argonia. Devin Ryan intercepted a pass and Brett Liebl recovered a fumble as the Oilers earned four takeaways.
TB Alex Hickel scored four rushing touchdowns. QB Devin Ryan threw touchdown passes to Brett Liebl and Bryce Miller and added a rushing touchdown.
Six-Man State Championship
Pawnee Heights (6-2) vs. Weskan (8-0)
Weskan outlasted Pawnee Heights 36-25 when the teams met Sept. 23 at Rozel. The rematch at 4 p.m. Saturday at Dodge City’s Memorial Stadium in the Wild West Bowl will determine the Kansas Six-Man State football champion.
PAWNEE HEIGHTS ROSTER
4—Ryan Klenke QB/CB, 145, sr.
8—Caleb Karst DE/FB/K, 189, jr.
15—Dalton Hamby C/NG/DE, 186, so.
18—Logan Williams DE/NG, 179, so.
20—Trace Baker DE/OLB/QB, 146, so.
22—Kade Scott FB/MLB, 173, so.
28—Kale McCoy TE/NG/DE, 175, so.
32—Roger Klenke TB/LB, 158, sr.
33—Gabe Oddo ILB/NG/TE, 156, jr.
40—Shawn Peterson LB/FB, 153, fr.
50—Jace Lawson NG, C, 247, jr.
55—Jackson Henbest DE/C/TE, 182, fr.
88—Spencer VanMeter TE/DE/LB, 155, sr.
89—Preston Stonebarger DE/NG, 215, fr.
