EMPORIA, Kan. - In 2-1A there are a lot of good teams to talk about, so we'll just look at the good match-ups in the first and late rounds and the eventual state champion.
Intriguing First Rounders
Troy (5-4) at Valley Falls (5-4)
Troy is coming off a big win at Wathena to make the playoffs and with both teams entering at 5-4 one could likely move on a guarantee a winning season.
Prediction: Troy 21-10
There are a lot of lower seeded teams that enter week one with a losing record, most of the intriguing match-ups will come later on in competition.
Later Rounds
Meade vs. Smith Center
This one makes me smile, because Smith Center has been the most dominate team in Kansas over the last couple of years. The Redmen won't face a test in the playoffs until Meade comes to town, will their streak end here. Likely not, but should be fun to watch.
Prediction: Smith Center 45-17
Oswego vs. Olpe
The Eagles really haven't faced a tough test all season, and likely won't until they face Oswego. Some say it hurts Coach Chris Schmidt that his schedule is so weak, this weak is when they will find out. Olpe faced the Redmen in the state championship last year.
Prediction: Olpe 35-21
Centrailia vs. Pittsburg-Colgan
This will be a late round match-up and Colgan is looking to make a return trip to the state championship after taking last year off. Centrailia was the only team to beat Valley Heights and could face them again in the second round.
Prediction: Pittsburg-Colgan 48-21
Olpe vs. St. Mary's
Olpe should roll to this one, including a win over Oswego. St. Mary's as a little more depth than the Eagles do, but the Eagles have more talent. Can Lindon Stueve perform against tougher competition, we will find out here.
Prediction: Olpe 35-28
State Championship
Olpe vs. Smith Center
In rematch of last year's championship game, can the Eagles get closer than they did last season. Matt Redeker and Olpe don't have Cole Krueger at running back this year, and will rely on Lindon Stueve to carry much of the load. The Redmen should repeat as state champions.
Predictions: Smith Center 28-17
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