Kansas football playoff previews

Troy at Valley Falls

When – 7 tonight

Broadcasts – 103.9 (KMZA)

Records – Troy: 5-4. Valley Falls: 5-4.

Players to watch – Troy: QB Eli Smith capable of hurting teams with rushing abilities, ran for touchdown that sparked come-from-behind effort against Wathena. Valley Falls: RB Chance Gier can harness speed to break off big plays, such as 3-touchdown performance against Immaculata during Week 8.

Notes – Dragons can rely on multiple options in backfield, as Tyler Wynkoop piled up more than 100 yards during Week 9 loss to Onaga … Trojans back in playoffs yet again, enter bi-district competition for 8th straight season … Delaware Valley League opponents did not meet this year during regular season, last clashed in bi-districts last season – when Troy won in blowout … Trojans own 5-game win streak in series dating back to 2004 … Teams currently stand in basic tie for 3rd in DVL standings -- Troy 5-2, Valley Falls 4-2 ... Following slow start, Valley Falls surged late, winning 4 consecutive games before late stumble to Onaga in nondistrict contest last week.

Riley County at ACCHS

When – 7 tonight

Broadcasts – 93.7 FM (KAIR)

Records – Riley County: 4-5. ACCHS: 4-5.

Players to watch – Riley County: RB Jake Eastes provides Falcons with workhorse option out of backfield, averages more than 8 yards per carry on season. ACCHS: Backfield tandem of QB Austin Eckert, RB Logan Coder keep opponents guessing with help of Tigers’ balanced attack on offense.

Notes – Thanks to undefeated run through Class 3A district, ACCHS claimed first postseason berth since 2006 … Falcons, meanwhile, back in playoffs for 3rd consecutive season, have only missed postseason once in past 6 years … Riley County finished as runner-up in District 8 behind Marysville (8-1), in front of Nemaha Valley (6-3) ... Tigers’ last playoff victory came in 2004 against Pleasant Ridge … ACCHS turned around season at right time after losing 4 straight entering district competition … Prone to big plays all year, Riley County defense dug its heels in against Nemaha Valley and posted first shutout of 2009 campaign ... Winner advances to face either Rossville (7-2), Oskaloosa (6-3).

Sabetha at Marysville

When – 7 tonight

Broadcasts – kndyradio.com

Records – Sabetha: 3-6. Marysville: 8-1.

Players to watch – Sabetha: RB Jesse Snyder carries bulk of load for run-heavy Blue Jays’ squad, cracked triple digits in rushing yards in last week’s loss to ACCHS. Marysville: Senior QB Ben Malotte can be deadly with double-threat abilities, accounted for 5 touchdowns during blowout of Riley County.

Notes – Blue Jays return to bi-district round for 2nd straight season, have advanced to postseason in 4 of past 5 seasons … Bulldogs no strangers to playoffs either after making it past regular season for third year in a row … Sabetha owns impressive playoff record as of late, winning 5 total games during last two trips to Class 3A playoffs … Opponents having hard time slowing down prolific Marysville attack, as Bulldogs average more than 45 points per game, have only been held under 40 points twice this year ... 1 of those instances came in lone loss of season to Abilene (8-1) in Week 5 ... Winner advances to play either Mission Valley (6-3), Council Grove (6-3).

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