The Golden Plains (Rexford, KS) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against South Barber (Kiowa, KS) on Friday, November 15, at 6 p.m.

What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Golden Plains (KS) vs South Barber (KS)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

South Barber vs. Golden Plains: A Season Overview of Two Kansas High School Football Teams

As the Kansas high school football season draws to a close, two teams have made notable strides in their respective campaigns: South Barber and Golden Plains. Both teams have built impressive records, but there are distinct differences in their styles of play, stats, and overall performance.

Season Records

• South Barber (24-25):
  • Overall: 8-1
  • District: 1-0
  • Home: 5-1
  • Away: 3-0
  • Win Percentage: .889
  • District Win Percentage: 1.000
  • Points For (PF): 381
  • Points Against (PA): 141
• Golden Plains (24-25):
  • Overall: 7-2
  • District: 4-1
  • Home: 5-1
  • Away: 2-1
  • Win Percentage: .778
  • District Win Percentage: .800
  • Points For (PF): 396
  • Points Against (PA): 159

While South Barber boasts a slightly higher overall win percentage (.889), Golden Plains has put up more points (396) across their games. Both teams have performed well on their home turf, with strong records at 5-1 each. South Barber’s unblemished district record has been a key component of their success.

Team Scoring Averages

• South Barber:
  • 1st Quarter: 25.2
  • 2nd Quarter: 21.3
  • 3rd Quarter: 4.2
  • 4th Quarter: 5.3
  • Final Score: 42.3 points per game
• Golden Plains:
  • 1st Quarter: 0
  • 2nd Quarter: 12.0
  • 3rd Quarter: 14.0
  • 4th Quarter: 0
  • Final Score: 44.0 points per game

Both teams show offensive prowess, but with different approaches. South Barber consistently puts up a high number of points throughout the game, especially in the first half. Golden Plains, on the other hand, finds its rhythm in the second and third quarters, but they struggle in the first and fourth quarters.

Team Stat Comparison

• South Barber:
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 140.9
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 150.7
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 151.8
  • Total Yards Per Game: 291.6
  • Tackles Per Game: 39.0
  • Sacks Per Game: 0.6
  • Points Per Game: 25.8
• Golden Plains:
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 194.3
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 98.3
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 99.0
  • Total Yards Per Game: 292.7
  • Tackles Per Game: 47.7
  • Sacks Per Game: –
  • Points Per Game: 47.8

Golden Plains has a significant edge in rushing yards (194.3), while South Barber maintains a balanced approach with more passing yards (150.7) and receiving yards (151.8). Both teams are highly efficient, with Golden Plains slightly edging out South Barber in total yards (292.7 vs. 291.6). However, South Barber holds an advantage in points per game (25.8 vs. 47.8), demonstrating a stronger offensive output.

Team Leaders

• South Barber:
  • Rushing: #5 Austin Swonger – 93.4 Yards Per Game
  • Passing: #5 Austin Swonger – 183.7 Yards Per Game
  • Receiving: #15 Garen Cantrell – 73.1 Yards Per Game
  • Total Yards: #5 Austin Swonger – 282.7 Yards Per Game
  • Tackles: #5 Austin Swonger – 12.1 Tackles Per Game
  • Points: #5 Austin Swonger – 13.7 Points Per Game
• Golden Plains:
  • Rushing: #15 Dylan Wark – 133.0 Yards Per Game
  • Passing: #5 Josh Rath – 109.0 Yards Per Game
  • Receiving: #15 Dylan Wark – 34.9 Yards Per Game
  • Total Yards: #15 Dylan Wark – 167.9 Yards Per Game
  • Tackles: #5 Josh Rath – 10.6 Tackles Per Game
  • Points: #15 Dylan Wark – 27.0 Points Per Game

South Barber’s offensive leader, Austin Swonger, stands out as the focal point of the team’s success, leading in rushing, passing, receiving, and tackles. Golden Plains’ Dylan Wark and Josh Rath are the primary contributors for their squad, with Wark’s rushing game being particularly notable.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a number of similar opponents, with the following outcomes:

• South Barber:
  • 9/27/24 vs. Moscow (W) 53-8
  • 10/11/24 vs. Ingalls (W) 51-32
  • 10/18/24 vs. Pawnee Heights (W) 32-0
  • 11/8/24 vs. Northern Valley (W) 69-20
• Golden Plains:
  • 9/6/24 vs. Moscow (W) 62-16
  • 9/13/24 vs. Ingalls (L) 52-21
  • 11/8/24 vs. Pawnee Heights (W) 46-0
  • 10/4/24 vs. Northern Valley (W) 59-14

In their shared games, both teams have come out with strong performances, although Golden Plains suffered a setback to Ingalls while South Barber remained undefeated against this common opponent. The head-to-head matchups highlight the competitive nature of these two programs as they look to finish their seasons strong.

Conclusion

Both South Barber and Golden Plains have displayed strong performances throughout the season. South Barber has a slightly higher win percentage and a more balanced attack, while Golden Plains has an impressive rushing game that keeps them competitive. The teams’ contrasting styles make for an exciting future matchup, and both will be contenders in their respective districts as the season moves toward its conclusion.

As each team pushes toward playoff contention, their ability to execute their game plans and adapt to tough opponents will be crucial to their success. Fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups as these teams finish strong in the postseason.