Last week was a tough week again for the expert, or the man posing as an expert, when it came to the old high school pickem. While I ll take credit for predicting the final score correctly in the South Central game, I had the wrong team on top. That, combined with a surprise loss by Southeast of Saline helped propel me to a 1 and 3 record for the week, dropping me to 13 and 6 overall on the year. Tonight, both Salina Central and Sacred Heart face must win situations, while Ell Saline gets a break from their three team district, which creates some interesting match ups.

Salina Central @ Emporia

Sports Radio 1150 KSAL

Pregame 6:35 Kickoff 7:00

It is all or nothing for the Salina Central Mustangs now, as winning is the only option after losing in week one of district play to the rival Salina South Cougars. Emporia is a solid 5 and 2, with losses coming to a pair of unbeatens in Manhattan and Junction City, however this will be their first contest outside of the Centennial League so it is hard to say just how good they are. Central also continues to battle the flu bug making this game even tougher to predict.

Prediction: Central has made the playoffs 17 years in a row and when healthy, it is hard to not feel good about the Mustangs chances. Even with concerns the Mustangs can keep the score low and pull out the win 13 to 10.

Salina South vs. Topeka West

Y 93.7

Pregame 6:50 Kickoff 7:00

Salina South has to feel pretty good about themselves after hitting a high note on an otherwise average season by opening up district play with a thrilling win over Salina Central. South has had the potential to be a dangerous team all year, however they have hurt themselves too often with turnovers and critical penalties. Topeka West is better than last year and plays some scrappy defense, but still is just 1and 6 on the season.

Prediction: Even if South gets bit by the turnover bug again, there is no way West has the horsepower to run away with this game. On paper this is not a close game, South wins 38 to 7.

Sacred Heart @ Bennington

Classic Hits 104.9

Pregame 6:50 Kickoff 7:00

The Sacred Heart Knights are the second county team that faces a must win situation this week after starting out district play 0 and 1. The loss to Minneapolis last week hurts, but more so because this is only a three team district. A win this week probably puts Sacred Heart into the playoffs; however a loss eliminates them for sure. Bennington has recovered from a tough start to the season and has won three out of their last four.

Prediction: If Sacred Heart plays like they were before the let down against Minneapolis they should be the favorite in this contest, Sacred Heart 24 to17.

Ell Saline @ Washington County

Washington

Kickoff 7:00

The Ell Saline Cardinals are 6 and 1 and sitting pretty with a 1 and 0 record in their three team district. This week the Cardinals receive a respite from district play as they will sort out the district results in a match-up with Sterling next week. The Washington County Tigers are 3 and 4, with their best win coming over Onaga.

Prediction: Ell Saline has not had much trouble with 2A competition this year and that trend should continue tonight. Ell-Saline 42 Washington County 17.

Southeast of Saline vs. Marion

Gypsum

Kickoff 7:00

Last week Southeast of Saline received a rude awakening as they were upset in week one of district play by Hillsboro. This week the Trojans draw another Marion County opponent as the Marion Warriors come to town. Southeast will face another very good opponent as Marion is 5- and 2 and 1 and 0 in district play, meaning Southeast faces a must win situation.

Prediction: Coach Pat Haxton has too much senior talent on this team to allow them to be surprised two weeks in a row, Southeast bounces back in a big way tonight. Southeast of Saline 38 Marion 21.

Dont forget to tune into Inside High School Football beginning at 5:30 tonight on Sports Radio 1150 KSAL to hear from all the Saline County coaches and from all our play by play broadcasters across the area.