Week 1 surprises
Publisher John Baetz takes a look at some of the biggest surprises from Week 1
Sedgwick were in mid-season form in their Week 1 win over Hutch-Trinity. (Photo: Sarah Crumrine)
Because I publish a preview magazine the first thing I do as the scores start rolling in is evaluate my own predictions for each game. I generally think about games with the question, “What is the most unlikely scenario to happen?” Below, find a few of the most surprising games to me from Week 1 and look for our updated rankings by the end of the weekend.
Sedgwick over Hutch-Trinity, 42-7
Not surprised that Sedgwick won, surprised at the domination of an experienced Celtic squad. While I was well aware of the talent and experienced returning for Sedgwick, I also anticipated Trinity’s significant experience making this a much better ball game, but it appears like Jeff Werner has his bunch clicking on all cylinders early in the season. Junior QB Cory Crumrine was 19 of 26 passing for 345 yards with four touchdowns, three of them to senior receiver Jackson Scarlett who had six receptions for 171 yards, according to @Sedgcardsports Twitter, but the real story for the Cardinals was the play of their defense, led by senior linebacker Jeff Nold’s 10 tackles – with three for loss – and a forced fumble and return for a defensive score.
Wichita Northwest over Bishop Carroll, 59-7
No one is surprised that Wichita Northwest scored 59 points in their rivalry game with Bishop Carroll. Everyone is surprised that the Golden Eagles could only muster one touchdown on the night. Coach Steve Martin showed off a stable of offensive weapons but the defense was the story of the game for Northwest. Sophomore Johnmichael Fountain provided one of the most incredible highlights of many for the Grizzlies when he jumped up and grabbed a pass out of the air coming off the edge and returned the few short yards into the end zone for a Pick 6. Northwest will have to be dealt with in 6A.
Blue Valley Southwest over Blue Valley, 33-19
Not surprised that Southwest won, after all they entered the season as our third-ranked team in 5A, but it is noteworthy that this was the first win over Blue Valley in school history (opened in 2010) and it was the first win in a season opener since 2018. Dylan Dunn threw four touchdowns and with his pack of receivers and experience all over the field the Timberwolves look the part of a contender.
Manhattan over Derby, 33-19
Again, no surprise that Manhattan won, but a little surprised they filled the QB spot vacated by Keenan Schartz so well in Week 1. Carter Aslin is the next big thing in 6A football and “The Tribe” look well positioned to continue their 14-game winning streak and defend their 6A title. Also, it doesn’t get much more impressive than beating Derby in each of their last three meetings.
Clifton-Clyde over Hanover, 50-8
Really thought Hanover would be improved this year, and they very well may in DII this season, but Clifton-Clyde looks to be focused entering this season in spite of the graduation of Seth LeClair, Maison Slater, and a couple other key pieces from a year ago.
Hays over Junction City, 20-14 in OT
Hays was hammered by the last two graduations but it’s clear I underestimated the program building job Tony Crough has done with the Indians. Malik Bah did Malik Bah things and Michael Boganowski did Michael Boganowski things, but in the end the Indians pulled off what is one of the biggest Week 1 surprises.
Eisenhower over Hutchinson, 7-3
Thought Eisenhower would be solid, didn’t think they would beat an experienced Hutchinson team in Week 1.
Marion over Inman, 46-22
Everyone was aware that Tanner Heckel’s departure would impact the Teutons and we all knew that Marion would have their best team in the last three years, didn’t see the Warriors piling up points at this rate against the back-to-back 1A runners-up.
Shawnee Heights over KC Piper, 42-0
Shawnee Heights has a good team, but a 42-0 shutout of Piper? Didn’t see that one coming.
Moundrige over Ell-Saline, 32-6
Moundridge has athletes all over their school and it appears first year head coach Tyler O’Connor has them on the football field and in the right spots.
Osborne over Hill City, 28-16
This is a surprise because Osborne was without their senior QB Doak Guttery who may take a couple more weeks to return to the field while recovering from a summer surgery. It’s noteworthy that Hill City standout QB Aiden Amrein was disqualified from the game partway through the second quarter. Both these teams are going to be very good in their respective Divisions with everyone healthy.
TMP over Oakley, 42-0
In spite of Conor Nicholl’s optimism over TMP there was no scenario where I saw them dominating a good 1A Oakley team in shutout fashion.
Rural Vista over Solomon, 44-18
Definitely anticipated the Heat being improved. Didn’t see them improved enough to hand rival Solomon such a lopsided loss.
Kinsley over Victoria, 20-14
Likely the biggest surprise of the night. Certainly knew Kinsley was on the upswing under Corey Dunlap, but Victoria is Victoria. Really great win for the Coyotes that could signal a special season.
Look for our updated rankings by Monday evening.