The day has finally come -- high school football is back in the state of Kansas! Dreams of hoisting a state championship or scoring a late touchdown fill the minds of many players and coaches around the area.
Here is a look at all of the Shawnee County football games and our predictions for each. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday for games listed below.
Rossville (0-0) at Silver Lake (0-0)
The War on 24 is one of the best rivalries in Kansas high school football.
Silver Lake has won seven of their last eight games against Rossville. The Eagles bring back a strong defensive roster led by Logan Cathcart. Braden Strausbaugh is one of the top players on the defensive line, too. Dysen Schooler will start at quarterback for Silver Lake this year, too.
The Bulldawgs went 5-1 last year as they move into Class 1A action this season. Rossville has yet to announce their starting quarterback as Tayson Horak and Canaan Mitchell are both in consideration. Brock Bush and Conner Bush will lead the defensive side of the ball.
The game has been decided by one possession in six of the last eight War on 24 meetings. The home team should have a slight advantage in another close battle. Silver Lake 27, Rossville 21
Shawnee Heights (0-0) at Washburn Rural (0-0)
The only game featuring two teams from the capital city. This is the first meeting between Washburn Rural and Shawnee Heights since 2017. John Hoytal leads the Junior Blues at quarterback. Washburn Rural’s offensive and defensive line is one to watch as they will control the line all season long. The Junior Blues also bring back their entire secondary.
The Thunderbirds are a youthful team after graduating many players from last season. Aiden Scott takes over as quarterback in his junior season. Tyren Parker, who has multiple Division I offers, will star at wide receiver and corner. This is a tough first game for Shawnee Heights facing the Junior Blues, who reached the Class 6A State Semifinal last year. Washburn Rural’s experience from last year’s strong roster will help them take the win. Washburn Rural 38, Shawnee Heights 20
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Seaman (0-0) at Piper (0-0)
There are high expectations for Seaman this year. They return one of the best quarterbacks in the state last year in Max Huston. He threw for 3,257 yards and 39 touchdowns in 2023. The Vikings also bring back Bryer Finley and Noah Kobuszewski who can make big plays with the ball.
Piper enters the game with new head coach Cale Orrick, who previously served as the defensive coordinator at Life School Oak Cliff in Dallas, Texas. Orrick inherits a team that finished 4-5 last season. One of Piper's standout players is linebacker Tannar McDaniel, the team's top returning tackler with 131 tackles. McDaniel also contributed on offense as a running back. However, Seaman's familiarity with their system and experienced players should give them the edge to secure an away victory. Seaman 42, Piper 24
Hayden (0-0) at Eudora (0-0)
The Wildcats head east to face the Cardinals in the game of the season. Eudora went 5-5 last year in Class 4A action. They graduated many key players from last year’s team as QB Connor Watson takes over as starter in his senior season. The rushing attack for Eudora highlights the team. Errol Siemon will start at running back after rushing for 525 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.
Hayden’s experience in skill positions coupled with their run to the Class 3A State Championship last year will be massive especially in a tough road game to start the season. Jett Wahlmeier returns to the lineup as starting quarterback for Hayden. The speed throughout Hayden’s roster will challenge Eudora all night as Kade Mitchell, Jensen Schrickel and Broderick Desch are poised for big seasons. Hayden 31, Eudora 26
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Wyandotte (0-0) at Highland Park (0-0)
There are high expectations around this Highland Park roster. They return many players from last year’s team that finished 7-3 which included a playoff win. Dontrail Fox will lead at the quarterback position. Highland Park’s Jamon Wilson will be one of the most explosive players on the field on Friday night.
The Scots have a perfect 6-0 record against Wyandotte in the two team’s history. Highland Park defeated Wyandotte 33-7 in last year’s game. Highland Park 41, Wyandotte 13
Topeka High (0-0) at Wichita West (0-0)
This is the first meeting in history between Topeka High and Wichita West. The Trojans struggled last year with a 1-8 record, but they're looking to rebound with new head coach Jason Filbeck. Leading the offense will be starting quarterback Zane Smith, while defensive end Detrick Johnson is expected to make a big impact. However, traveling to Wichita could present a significant challenge for this young team.
The Pioneers went 3-6 in 2023. They return defensive end Mencali En, who picked up an offer from Langston this summer. This could be a low scoring game with each team having more experience on the defensive side. Wichita West 24, Topeka High 21
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Topeka West (0-0) at De Soto (0-0)
Topeka West goes on the road for their week one matchup. The Chargers will be playing a very young roster as they try to build towards the future. Micah Emerson, a sophomore, starts at quarterback for the Chargers as they will look to improve upon last year’s 1-8 season. De Soto went 8-2 last year with losses to Washburn Rural and Seaman.
The Wildcats will be led by starting quarterback Drew Parks and offensive lineman Seth Goins, who is 6-foot-7 365 pounds. The defense is highlighted by Iowa State commit Charlie Woleben. The Wildcats are capable of having a big season this year. De Soto 52, Topeka West 13
Cair Paravel (0-0) at West Franklin (0-0)
The first season of 11-man football for Cair Paravel begins. The Lions are ready to prove that they belong after performing well last year in 8-man football where the team finished with a 3-6 record. West Franklin struggled at the end of last season, losing six of their last seven games. This year, they face a challenge after losing 16 seniors. However, junior Chandler Scott is a bright spot, entering his third season in West Franklin’s secondary.
With both teams having a young roster, the Lions have the edge with experience at quarterback with senior Jase Pavlik. He threw for 2,036 yards and completed over 70% of his throws in 2023 while also passing for 38 touchdowns and rushing for 18 TDs. Cair Paravel 31, West Franklin 21
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@ g annett.co m
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas high school football Week 1 predictions: Picking all Topeka-area games
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