Thanksgiving week usually means two things for Kansas football players: 1) a nice turkey feast like the rest of us; 2) most likely the biggest football game they've every played in.
It is state week in Kansas. All the games are set for a 1:00 kickoff on Saturday.
Class 6A
Shawnee Mission East Lancers vs. Hutchinson Salthawks, Welsh Stadium, Emporia State University
The Lancers come into this game riding high after a nail-biting win over Olathe North 36-35 in sub-state to get here. They hold a perfect 12-0 record and claim they have unfinished business in this game after being state runner-up last year.
The Salthawks, at 8-4 have been on a hot streak in the playoffs. To get to state, they beat Lawrence Free State, 42-14. They dethroned last year's state champion, Derby in the sectionals.
The programs differ vastly in experience. For East, it's the second time in school history in a state game. Hutchinson, meanwhile, has built what most would regard as a dynasty in the last decade, with state titles in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011.
Both teams feature high-powered offenses and stingy defenses. The losses from the Salthawks came from teams that were able to shut down that offense.
Class 5A
St. Thomas Aquinas Saints vs. Bishop Carroll Golden Eagles, Carnie Smith Stadium, Pittsburg State University
The Saints will have their work cut out for them against the Eagles, the top-ranked team in the state who will be looking to go 13-0 for the second time in three years.
The Eagles defense has been able to put every game in the playoffs well out of reach, as they have outscored opponents 164-7 in the three playoff games and have only allowed 58 points all year.
If the Saints can find a way past the defense, they will still have to shut down the vaunted Eagles ground attack, which was key in the sub-state win over last year's 5A runner up, Salina South 49-0.
The Saints have made it this far despite being bogged down with injuries. They lost school record-setting running back James Cosentino in week 9 of the regular season, but have managed to find other ways to win games, including a 42-41 sub-state victory over Shawnee Heights.
Class 4A-I
Bishop Miege Stags vs. Hayden Wildcats, Hummer Sports Complex
Nobody has been able to stop the Stags this year because their offense, specifically their quarterback play from Ryan Willis, has been too much. But don't sleep on their defense.
The Stags have outscored their playoff opponents 172-7, including a 62-7 win last week against Piper. Hayden is no slouch, however, having beaten Buhler in sub-state 49-19. With a good combination of defense and a nice ground attack, Hayden could prove to be a problem for Miege.
Class 4A-II
Andale Indians vs. Columbus Titans, Salina District Stadium
The Indians undefeated season is thanks to a powerful offense that is led by the running game. In their 57-13 substate win against Holcomb, the Indians racked up 422 yards on the ground.
The Columbus defense could be up to the task as it has been able to hold offenses throughout the playoffs. Last week the Titans beat Santa Fe Trail, 44-12. The defense has been instrumental in the Titans' 11-1 season.
Class 3A
Rossville Bulldogs vs. Scott Beavers, Gowan Stadium, Hutchinson
Two undefeated teams will take the field in the 3A championship. Both teams plowed their way into sub-state, but last week, each had a scare.
Rossville got by Silver Lake by a score of 21-14. Scott had to go to overtime to beat Halstead 20-14. The key to this game is defense. Whoever can make more stops late to stop the impressive offenses of both schools, will win the game.
Class 2-1A
Olpe Eagles vs. Ell-Saline Cardinals, Lewis Field, Fort Hays State
The Cardinals, at 9-3. have had some very close calls this postseason including last week at sub-state when they squeaked by Phillipsburg, 22-21.
The Cardinal offense will have to show up against Olpe, whose offense has been flying high these last few weeks with a 36-28 win over Troy last week. This should be a game that rests on the offense's shoulders; whoever can make the big plays will win.
