Wichita High School Football: Undefeated Showdowns and Rivalry Rematches

As the high school football season in Kansas enters its second week, the landscape is already shifting, with half of the teams in the state suffering their first losses. However, this week's slate of Wichita-area games promises to deliver some thrilling matchups between undefeated squads, as well as intriguing rivalry rematches that could shape the course of the season.

Wichita's Gridiron Gladiators Gear Up for Showdown

Wichita Northwest vs. Wichita East: Revenge or Reign?

The highly anticipated clash between Wichita Northwest and Wichita East will be the centerpiece of this week's action. Last season, East emerged victorious in two meetings, including a 48-28 playoff win over the Grizzlies. This year, the intrigue is heightened by the transfer of running back AJ Bohannon, who rushed for over 1,200 yards for Northwest in 2022. His brother, A'maree Bohannon, now anchors the Aces' defensive backfield.Both teams enter the game with convincing Week 1 wins. Northwest dispatched crosstown rival Bishop Carroll 34-13, with junior running back Augie Fast rushing for 201 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Jaylen Mayson provided a balanced attack, throwing for 117 yards and two scores. East, on the other hand, was even more dominant, shutting out their opponent 48-0 and taking a 28-0 lead at halftime.This clash of City League titans promises to be a high-stakes affair, as both teams look to establish their dominance and set the tone for the rest of the season. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for the league race, making it a must-watch event for Wichita football enthusiasts.

Goddard vs. Goddard Eisenhower: Contrasting Styles, Familiar Foes

The crosstown rivalry between Goddard and Goddard Eisenhower will showcase a stark contrast in offensive philosophies. Eisenhower, led by 2,000-yard passer Derek Morgan and his top receiver, Carter Pabst, favors an aerial attack. In contrast, Goddard's offense is built around a ground-and-pound rushing approach, as evidenced by their 7-3 victory over Maize in Week 1, where they attempted no passes.Defensively, the two teams are more evenly matched. Eisenhower's defense has been stifling, allowing just 56 combined points in their last five games before a narrow playoff loss. Goddard, on the other hand, will look to avenge their regular-season loss to Eisenhower last year, a 22-14 defeat that they later avenged in the playoffs.This clash of styles promises to be a captivating battle, as the high-powered Eisenhower offense looks to overwhelm the run-heavy Goddard attack. The outcome could hinge on which team is able to impose its will and disrupt the opposing game plan.

Conway Springs vs. Garden Plain: Rematch of Champions

The matchup between Conway Springs and Garden Plain is a rematch of last year's Class 1A championship game, won by Conway Springs. Though the Cardinals started the 2022 season 0-2, they went on to claim the state title, showcasing their resilience and ability to bounce back.This year, both teams enter the game with 1-0 records, setting the stage for another hard-fought battle. Garden Plain's offense is built around a powerful rushing attack, as evidenced by their 49-14 win over Wichita Trinity in Week 1. Junior Emrick Hayes and senior Cooper Scheer combined for 266 rushing yards and five touchdowns in that game.Conway Springs, on the other hand, also relies heavily on the ground game, rushing for 333 yards in their 42-0 victory over Nickerson. Senior Isaac Winter led the way with 175 yards, demonstrating the Cardinals' ability to reload despite the loss of star running back Brayden Kunz.This game promises to be a classic clash of two well-coached, run-oriented teams. The outcome could hinge on which squad is able to establish dominance in the trenches and control the tempo of the game.

Cheney vs. Kingman: Defending Champions Face Tough Test

Cheney, the defending Class 3A champions, will face a stern test this week against Kingman, a team that has been on the rise in recent years. Last season, Cheney cruised to a 34-7 victory over Kingman, but the Eagles are determined to prove they can hang with the state's elite.In Week 1, Cheney extended their winning streak to 14 games with a 38-7 triumph over Holcomb, a team that has typically been a playoff contender. Quarterback Josh Burdick leads an offense with multiple big-play options at running back and receiver, making the Cardinals a formidable opponent.Kingman, on the other hand, opened their season with a 26-13 victory over Chaparral, holding their opponent to just 64 rushing yards and shutting them out in the first half. The Eagles return an experienced group of linebackers, led by seniors Kade Osborn, Collin Schreiner, and Colby Arensdorf, who will be tasked with slowing down Cheney's high-powered attack.This game will be a true test of Cheney's ability to defend their state title, as they face a Kingman team that has the potential to pull off the upset. The outcome could provide valuable insights into the Cardinals' championship mettle and the depth of talent in the 3A classification.

Andale vs. Wellington: Measuring the Indians' Dominance

Andale, the perennial powerhouse in the Wichita area, will travel to Wellington in a game that is expected to be a lopsided affair. However, the Indians' loss to Cheney in the 3A title game last season has raised questions about their invincibility, and this game could provide some answers.In Week 1, Andale steamrolled El Dorado 68-7, showcasing their offensive firepower. Junior quarterback Sam Harp, who threw for nearly 600 yards and rushed for 11 touchdowns last season, leads an offense that also features senior tight end Bo Kaiser and running back Cooper Marx.Wellington, on the other hand, put up a valiant effort in a 17-14 loss to Collegiate in their season opener. The Crusaders boast one of the top passers in the class in senior Dusty Bannister, who threw for 2,616 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. Senior running back Nick Giefer also returns to lead the Crusaders' ground game.While Andale is heavily favored in this matchup, the game could provide valuable insights into the Indians' ability to bounce back from their championship game defeat and maintain their status as the dominant force in the Wichita area. A convincing win would solidify Andale's reputation, while a closer-than-expected result could raise further questions about their vulnerability.