Sunflower League Previews: Week 4

9-22

Olathe Northwest vs SM North @ CBAC (ONW leads the series 5-2)

With only a small lineage of games played between the two schools, it would be easy to call for the Ravens to walk away with the W.

However, with the season reaching its mid-point, both programs are heading in the opposite directions and in to uncharted post-season territory. Based off their recent week-3 games, the Indians and Ben Bartlett are coming off a strong win against a quality Kaw Valley opponent in the Lansing Lions. The Ravens are coming off a road loss at the hands of the Lee's Summit North Broncos.

Look for both teams to get off to a quick start. The Indians have had troubles forever on the road at CBAC and ODAC, but if they are able to sneak away with a Win, it would be a big step forward and towards a possible higher seed as the new playoff system takes shape.


9-23

SM East vs Olathe North @ ODAC (ON leads the SFL series 15-4)

Where to start?!

The Lancers and Eagles are no stranger to each other in these recent seasons. Since the 2013 season the Lancers have gained the upper hand over the Eagles. Having won three of the last four games played. SM East is wanting to recoup their post-season road loss to a very talented Eagles Football team last year with a return trip to ODAC.

Both programs are looking to get back on track after losing to Missouri powerhouses Blue Springs South and Rockhurst in consecutive days of week-3. Despite the losses, consider both learning experiences for the near future. This game could be considered a run for the Sunflower League championship, as that will be hard to give away this season while some SFL programs play 6, and others play 7 league games.

Entering Friday's game, the Eagles have never lost a home against the Lancers since joining the SFL for the Fall 1989 season.

SM West vs Lawrence @ Lawrence (SMW leads the series 28-14)

Series slam!

With two great Football teams meeting on the gridiron, and no stranger to each other during the regular season and post-season play the Vikings and Chesty Lions are looking to write another chapter in their great history together!

Unlike past seasons, these two are looking to rebound from a loss to their Suburban League-MO counterparts Blue Springs and Lee's Summit West and poor performances by both. Can the Lions get on track against this powerful Vikings team? The Vikings are 8-1 in all nine meetings under Coach Tim Callaghan.

Should the Vikings win tonight, this will be Tim Callaghan's 100th Win all-time in the history of the Football program, joining the elite company of John Davis (SM South - 131 Wins), and Harold Reade - 114 Wins and Larry Taylor - 110 Wins both of S-M North).


Olathe South vs Olathe East @ CBAC (OS leads the series 14-13)

City Slickers...

With an incredible and topsy-turvy game history after 27 meetings, these two schools are great to see get at each other and fight for Olathe dominance. Despite their losing records, this is statement time for both to start making a post-season push for the best possible seed available.

Since the 2010 season the Hawks are 2-5 against the Falcons and looking to regain a hold of a tightly contested series. From 2002 to 2009 the Hawks went on an incredible 9-2 run that lead to multiple playoff berths and success at times shutting down a great Falcons program led by current Pioneers Head Coach Mark Littrell.

This will be the first meeting for Craig Lewis and Jesse Owen taking place.


Leavenworth vs SM South @ Leavenworth (SMS leads the series 20-3)

What will it take to break in to the win column?

A lot of work, attention to detail, clock management, and controlling the ball (no turnovers). These two programs have not met in the last couple seasons, but the Raiders are coming off a five-game win streak from 2005 to 2012 with dominating wins at home and on the road. The 2004 Pioneers was the last team to defeat the Raiders.

Tonights game will be the first time the Raiders will be playing at the Pioneers new field. That said, can recent success of the Pioneers shut down the Raiders? It will take a lot of work and discipline for both teams to cut down on turnovers and more. Getting the experience at the Varsity level will be essential for both to succeed in the near future.


SM Northwest vs Free Sate @ SM North (Free State leads the series 7-4)

Coming in to Friday's game, the Cougars are still looking to find their identity on the gridiron. This is a tough game to chose if you are an odds maker. The Cougars, like SM West in week-1 could probably make a lot of noise with a home field advantage vs. the Firebirds.

This road game at SM North will be no easy task, as the Firebirds find themselves 1-1 vs. their SMSD counterparts splitting games with SM West and South.

The last 10 games have not been easy with Coaching replacements for the Cougars and lack of consistently good play week-in, and week-out. Their 4-6 record in their last 10 games played could easily be 5-5 or better with their game history far better at home (SM North) than their current road record at Free State.