The Cunningham (KS) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Tescott (KS) on Friday, November 22, at 6:00 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets: (KSHSAA) – Class 6-Player” tournament.
What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Cunningham (KS) vs Tescott (KS)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets: (KSHSAA) – Class 6-Player
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Playoff Showdown: Tescott vs. Cunningham Preview
As the Kansas high school football playoffs intensify, all eyes are on the rematch between the Tescott Trojans (7-2) and the Cunningham Wildcats (9-0). These two teams are set to clash in a highly anticipated away playoff game for Tescott on Friday, November 22, at 6 p.m. Let’s break down the teams’ records, strengths, and what to expect in this critical matchup.
Season Records and Rankings
- Tescott Trojans (7-2)
- National Rank: 846
- Kansas Rank: 55
- Class Rank: 7
- District Record: 0-1
- Overall Performance: Dominant at home (5-0), but inconsistent away (2-2).
- Points For (PF): 408
- Points Against (PA): 187
- Cunningham Wildcats (9-0)
- National Rank: 166
- Kansas Rank: 12
- Class Rank: 1
- District Record: 2-0
- Overall Performance: Undefeated at home, away, and neutral games.
- Points For (PF): 322
- Points Against (PA): 30
The Wildcats boast an impeccable record, leading their class, while the Trojans have showcased strong offensive firepower despite their struggles against top-tier teams.
Key Matchup: Head-to-Head
The last meeting between these two teams on September 28, 2024, was a lopsided affair, with Cunningham securing a commanding 52-6 victory at home.
Breakdown of That Game:
- First Half Dominance: Cunningham surged early, scoring 24 points in the first quarter and adding 22 in the second.
- Tescott’s Challenges: The Trojans managed a lone touchdown in the second quarter but struggled to contain Cunningham’s balanced attack.
- Total Yards Advantage: Cunningham’s offensive efficiency outpaced Tescott, with standout performances from quarterback Will Wegerer and receiver Dagim Reed.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Tescott | Cunningham |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 25.9 | 47.0 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 7.4 | 121.4 |
| Total Yards/Game | 33.3 | 168.4 |
| Tackles/Game | 4.1 | 24.2 |
| Points/Game | 45.3 | 35.8 |
Cunningham’s offensive balance and defensive strength are clear advantages, while Tescott relies heavily on individual standout performances.
Players to Watch
- Tescott Trojans:
- #10 Joey Stirn: Averaging 155 rushing yards per game, Stirn is Tescott’s offensive workhorse.
- #12 Austin Miller: Key in the passing game and leads in sacks for the Trojans.
- #5 Brody Thompson: Defensive leader with 7.0 tackles per game.
- Cunningham Wildcats:
- #10 Will Wegerer: The dynamic dual-threat quarterback leads in passing (182.2 yards/game) and total yards (233.3 yards/game).
- #1 Dagim Reed: A reliable target, averaging 51.8 receiving yards and 13 points per game.
- #13 Dylan Halderson: Defensive standout, with consistent tackling efficiency.
Scoring Averages by Quarter
| Quarter | Tescott | Cunningham |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Quarter | 18.0 | 31.3 |
| 2nd Quarter | 21.5 | 16.7 |
| 3rd Quarter | 0 | 4.0 |
| 4th Quarter | 0 | 0 |
| Final | 45.3 | 35.8 |
Cunningham’s explosive first-quarter performances give them a significant edge in setting the tone early, as seen in their previous matchup.
Game Outlook
Cunningham enters the playoffs as the heavy favorite, having dominated the season with a perfect record. Their balanced offensive strategy, anchored by Wegerer and Reed, and a stifling defense give them a clear advantage.
For Tescott, the key to pulling off an upset lies in neutralizing Cunningham’s high-octane start and leaning on Joey Stirn’s rushing ability to control the tempo. Defensive consistency will be critical to staying competitive.
Prediction
While Tescott has shown resilience throughout the season, Cunningham’s dominance on both sides of the ball makes them the team to beat. Expect Cunningham to capitalize on their home-field advantage and march forward in their playoff campaign.
