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Photo Credit: Adam Sullivan

Here is my quick look at the first round of the Kansas 6A bracket featuring local teams

16 Blue Valley NW (0-8) @ 1 Gardner-Edgerton (8-0): What Ryan Cornelson has accomplished at Gardner-Edgerton is nothing short of incredible. The Trailblazers entered the 2018 season on a 10-game losing streak and now sit just five wins shy of a perfect season and a state title. The difference in this game will be Teven Mckelvey and Luke Jennings of Edgerton.
Prediction- Gardner-Edgerton

9 SM North (4-4) @ 8 SM Northwest (4-4): For the first time these two rivals will meet in a playoff version of the “Hula Bowl”. The Indians have the momentum heading into the week 9 matchup coming off back-to-back wins and winners of four of their five. Northwest enters on a three game losing streak. The Cougars will be led by Ty Black while the Indians will ride the shoulders of Billy Conaway.
Prediction- SM North

12 Wyandotte (1-5) @ 5 Blue Valley North (5-3): Graham Mertz. That’s all that needs to be said.
Prediction- BV North

13 Olathe Northwest (1-7) @ 4 SM South (6-2): The Raider family was dealt an absolute tragedy over the weekend as senior Chandan Rajanna was killed in car accident near Arrowhead Stadium. I’d expect an emotionally charged South team to take the field an honor their friend and teammate on Friday night.
Prediction- SM South

11 Blue Valley West (3-5) @ 6 Olathe South (4-4): South has lost three of its last four heading into a playoff clash with BV West of the EKL. South will need a big night from AJ Shields if the Falcons want to continue its playoff run.
Prediction- Olathe South

14 SM West (0-8) @ 3 Olathe North (8-0): In a rematch of a 51-14 Eagle victory from earlier in the season, Olathe North will host SM West on Friday. Look for the Eagles to continue to run all over their opponents with Arland Bruce IV and Daymonn Sanchez.
Prediction- Olathe North

10 Olathe East (3-5) @ 7 Blue Valley (4-4): Blue Valley is not your typical .500 team. The Tigers four losses have been to Saint Thomas Aquinas (5A #1 seed), Rockhurst (powerhouse in Missouri), Bishop Miege (will win another class 4A title this year) and Mill Valley (traditional EKL powerhouse). Blue Valley is a dangerous team and has a real shot at advancing to Emporia.
Prediction- Blue Valley

15 Harmon (0-8) @ 2 SM East (6-2): Likely the biggest mismatch in the first round, East should cruise past Harmon. The Lancers have outscored the Hawks 152-0 in their last two meetings.
Prediction- SM East

West Side:
16 Lawrence (1-7) @ 1 Derby (8-0):
The Lions showed they can compete with the big dogs with an impressive outing against Free State in the City Showdown last week. If Lawrence can play with the same energy and limit mistakes, the Lions have a chance at the upset.
Prediction- Derby

15 Wichita North (2-6) @ 2 Free State (8-0): Jax Dineen, Malik Berry and Keenan Garber are on a different level. Free State has too many weapons for teams to contend with, look for the Firebirds to win big.
Prediction- Free State