EMPORIA, Kan. - I know I'm going to take a lot of heat for this stand, but it's something I've prayed about for a long time and feel I should go on record. Let me preface this by saying that this is not a blue and red thing, this is not a Republican and Democrat thing. This has nothing to do with Glenn Beck's patriotism or his political insight.

I often listen to Mr. Beck in the mornings on my way to work, and while I disagree with some of the things he says, a lot of his political insight is fairly spot on. This is about Christianity and Mormonism; this is about evangelicals and Mormons.

This is a piece about faith as I know it.

EMPORIA, Kan. - Hi, my name is Josh Slaughter, and I have "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome." Now I'm sure half of you laughed and the other half of you are looking for a rope to hang me for being racist. First let me state, it's not my term. That term comes from the United State government who have classified "Chinese Food Syndrome" as a small to no threat to America.

Let me go back though. Let me go back to when it all started, before thousands of dollars of doctor bills. Before the months of enduring more pain than I would ever wish on anyone.

Take a journey with me, through my illness, and be ready at the end for me to call you to action.

EMPORIA, Kan. - Rory Pugh grew up in Southern Kansas, a part of the state none for it's red dirt and football. Not necessarily the part of the state you would think about when talking about state championship caliber debate and forensics programs. Rory was lucky though, Rory went to Chaparral High School where state championship caliber debate and forensics programs weren't only prevalent, but expected by those who walked and talked within the walls.

Now at the young age of 21 he is making his run for the state legislature. He will run in the state's 116th district against an entrenched incumbent and a republican should he make his way out of the primary.

Pugh was a two time state placer in debate in a program that placed at State from 2002-2007 and also three times placed in the top five at forensics state in that period. He spoke in a recent interview with me about how he thought debate and forensics really prepared him for a future in politics.

"When in high school, I was a member our debate team," said Pugh. "There I learned how to effectively research a subject and build comprehensive arguments that were able to convey my side to those listening."

EMPORIA, Kan. - While many people have found many reasons to strongly dislike the new immigration legislation in Arizona. It's effect will reach more than just the work-a-day world it could have far reaching effects in the sports world as well.

According to the Kansas City Royal's director of Player relations the change could hurt the Royals minor league system in Arizona immensely. Eighty-percent of the currently Royals Arizona Rookie Squad Roster is players of foreign descent here playing on work visas.

EMPORIA, Kan. - Holton, Andale and Hugoton are the only undefeated teams in class 4A, but there should still be some great match-ups before the final game.

Early Round
Ulysses (5-4) at Wellington (6-3)
Wellington survived a scare last weekend at Chaparral, and survived a weak district. Ulysses was in a tough district and played a tough schedule all season, if there is going to be an early round upset, it will happen here.
Prediction: Ulysses 27-17

EMPORIA, Kan. - Another big bracket, this one contains some of the state's top low classification teams. There are some great match-ups late and couple of good early rounders, let's take a look at them.

Early Round Fun
Osage City (6-3) at Central Heights (4-5)
Upset alert, Central Heights it the higher seeded team, but Osage City came out of one of the toughest districts out there. The Indians should earn the win here, but face a tough test on the road.
Prediction: Osage City 34-17

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.

EMPORIA, Kan. - In 8-man Division I, the play this season has been exciting and there are some great match-ups as we head into state play.

Week One Match-Ups
Madison (8-1) at Baileyville B&B (9-0)
Madison Coach Fred McClain said in today's Emporia Gazette that he relished the fact that for once the expectations weren't on his team. Madison has been the top seeded team for three straight season's, this year they get to go on the road and play a team that is expected to win. Henry Ott is back at Quarterback and looked last night like he may have gotten his stride back. If Ott has a good game Madison could surprise B&B here.
Prediction: Madison 48-45

EMPORIA, Kan. - Eight man two has been a two pony race most of the season, with Hanover and Victoria favored and nearly going wire to wire. However, Victoria lost in district play and now Otis-Bison has emerged as someone to watch. The East half of the bracket features some intriguing match-ups as does the West, overall this could be a very fun bracket to watch.

Week One Intrigue
The teams get started with Tuesday match-ups next week. Here's a match-up by match-up prediction and breakdown for week one.

Wilson (4-5) at Hanover (8-1)
Hanover's only loss came to 8-man one's top ranked squad in Baileyville B&B, and should win easily here against Wilson who fought their way out of a weak bracket.
Prediction: Hanover 55-7

EMPORIA, Kan. - So we're at District final weekend, this is what to watch for. I'll denote whether the game is on Thursday or Friday. Hope you get to enjoy some.

6A

District 1
Shawnee Mission West at Shawnee Mission East (Thursday Game)
East had more touble against Shawnee Mission North and Shawnee Mission Northwest, but it is at their home field and the district championship is on the line. West has had a potent offense while East has gotten it done defensively, should be fun to watch, plus a rare high class Thursday match-up. I give the edge to East, if their offense starts rolling it could be a long night.