The Manhattan and Wamego High football teams will carry a season’s worth of momentum into their respective playoffs after finishing unbeaten runs through the regular season with Friday night wins.
Manhattan capped their first 8-0 run through the regular season since 2016 with a 56-28 win over 4th ranked Wichita Northwest. The game started with the Grizzlies looking like they may challenge the Indians, but, after trailing 14-7 in the 1st quarter, the Indians ran off 35 unanswered points to take away any doubt.
The win clinched the top seed in the 6A West bracket for the Tribe, who will open at home against winless Wichita North. It will be the second first round meeting between the two in as many years when they kick off at 7:00pm October 28th.
Wamego utilized senior Hayden Oviatt in their running back rotation as he continues to come back from a broken bone in his foot before the season. He responded by rushing for three scores, including a 54 yarder as the Red Raiders rolled over Abilene 49-0.
The unbeaten regular season was the first for Wamego since 1977 and ensured the Red Raiders of home field through the 4A semifinals. They will open the 4A playoffs against Ulysses on the 28th, also at 7:00pm.
Rock Creek will ride a seven game winning streak into the 3A playoffs and host Clearwater in the opener on the 28th. The Mustangs are one of nine teams with one loss or fewer as the playoffs begin.
In 2A, Riley County will play at Silver Lake after opening the season at home against the Eagles. Silver Lake won that matchup 28-21.
In Eight-Man II, Frankfort opens against Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton in Beloit.
