Several Sumner County high school football teams are set to face challenging matchups this week, with rivalry games and opportunities for significant wins on the horizon. Conway Springs will host Garden Plain in a highly anticipated contest, while South Sumner travels to Olpe. Belle Plaine looks to break a losing streak against Smoky Valley, and Oxford aims to capitalize on their season-opening victory against West Elk.
The Conway Springs Cardinals (1-0) will face the Garden Plain Owls (1-0) in a rivalry game with significant implications. Conway Springs boasts a 25-game winning streak, but their last defeat in 2023 came against Garden Plain, who won 20-14. Last season, Conway Springs avenged that loss with a 13-7 victory. Garden Plain is coming off a 34-15 win over Wichita Trinity, fueled by 375 rushing yards and three touchdowns from Emrick Hays. Conway Springs secured a 28-20 victory against Nickerson in their season opener, with Logan Osner rushing for 192 yards.
South Sumner (1-0) will travel to Olpe (0-1) for a challenging road game. Olpe, despite losing to Osage City 41-13 in their first game, is a traditionally strong football program, having reached the second round of Class 1A in 2024. Last year, Olpe defeated South Sumner 27-7. The Outlaws are seeking to build on their 26-7 victory over Pleasanton in week one. The long trip to Olpe is one of the few away games this season, with most teams traveling to Sumner County this year.
Belle Plaine (0-1) is aiming to end a 13-game losing streak as they host Smoky Valley (1-0). Smoky Valley, who finished 2-7 in 2024, secured an 8-6 victory against Larned in their season opener. Belle Plaine is coming off a 36-14 loss to Medicine Lodge in week one. The Dragons last tasted victory on October 6, 2023, with a 39-14 win against Leon-Bluestem.
Oxford (1-0) will travel to Howard to face West Elk (0-1). West Elk, traditionally a dominant force in the South-Central Border League (SCBL), suffered a 60-12 defeat against Argonia-Attica in their first game. Oxford, on the other hand, dominated Sedan with a 48-0 victory. A win against West Elk would position the Wildcats favorably in the SCBL championship race. Last season, West Elk defeated Oxford 52-38, after which Oxford embarked on a five-game winning streak.
In another SCBL matchup, Central Burden (0-1) will visit Argonia-Attica (1-0). Argonia-Attica is coming off a dominant 60-12 victory over West Elk. Central Burden will be looking to rebound after losing 26-20 in week one, making this a key game for both teams in Attica.
