Olathe North at Lawrence

When: Sept. 10

Where: Haskell Stadium

Why Watch?: The two most recent Class 6A dynasties go head-to-head, and both are expecting big things this season. Olathe North has won seven state titles in the last eight years, and expects to be strong again, although the Eagles have dipped into Class 5A this year. Lawrence, meanwhile, is looking to reclaim the title of Sunflower League powerhouse.

Wathena at McLouth

When: Sept. 10

Where: McLouth High

Why Watch?: McLouth has been mired in a long losing streak, but second-year coach Harry Hester has this team turned around and poised to make noise in the Delaware Valley League. This game is the first chance to see McLouth at home in 2004, and with the talent they return — along with the hard work they’ve put in this offseason — it may be worth checking out.

Prairie View at Ottawa

When: Sept. 24

Where: Grogan Field

Why Watch?: Not a lot of history involved here, but show up to this one, and you might see two of the Big 12 Conference’s future stars going head-to-head. Ottawa’s Caleb Blakesley and Prairie View’s Brody Eldridge are ranked among the top college prospects in Kansas, and both have given verbal commitments to Big 12 schools. Blakesley will be a lineman at Kansas University, while Eldridge is headed to Oklahoma.

Map of game venues.

De Soto at Wellsville

When: Sept. 24

Where: Wellsville High

Why Watch?: Something has to budge when these two play. De Soto brings an experienced, talented offense led by running back Leif Goleman and quarterback Neil Erisman. Wellsville, however, counters with a solid defense that comes into 2004 with loads of experience. With De Soto’s move to the Frontier League this year, these two teams will meet for the first time in more than a decade. On paper, it could be the start of a future rivalry worthy of annual anticipation.

Mill Valley at Tonganoxie

When: Sept. 24

Where: Tonganoxie

Why Watch?: Every year seems to be a good battle between two of the Kaw Valley League’s top programs. The last two of the annual meetings have been decided by 10 or fewer points. The Jaguars have high hopes coming into this season, while Tonganoxie is coming off an 8-2 campaign in 2003.

Olathe NW at Free State

When: Oct. 7

Where: Memorial Stadium

Why Watch?: It’ll be the city’s first glance at the new kids on the Sunflower League block. Olathe Northwest is in its first year of varsity football after playing a junior varsity schedule in 2003. The school took students from football powerhouse Olathe North when it was built, so to discount them as starting from scratch might be ill-advised. It’s one of four Thursday games the Firebirds will play in the first six weeks, giving local fans bonus football a night before everyone else plays.

Free State at Lawrence

When: Oct. 22

Where: Haskell Stadium

Why Watch?: Why not? The city showdown is always an intense battle, and this year won’t be an exception. Lawrence High has scoreboard on the Firebirds, beating them 21-6 last year. LHS also leads the all-time series 5-2, but If the showdown’s history proves anything, though, it’s that anything is possible. In 2001, Free State was the overwhelming underdogs, but went on to shut out the Chesty Lions 16-0 en route to a state tournament appearance.

Baldwin at Eudora

When: Oct. 28

Where: Laws Field

Why Watch?: It’s one of the area’s top rivalries, made even more intense by the fact that both squads are usually very strong teams. Baldwin knocked Eudora out of the playoffs last year with a 43-18 victory at Laws Field, but the Cardinals bring back a smothering defense determined not to let that happen again. This year’s showdown is the last week of districts, too, meaning a berth in the state playoffs may be at stake.