The Nemaha Central (Seneca, KS) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Osage City (KS) on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m.

What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Nemaha Central (KS) vs Osage City (KS)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Osage City vs. Nemaha Central: A High-Stakes Football Showdown

As the football season progresses, two Kansas high school powerhouses—Osage City and Nemaha Central—are dominating their respective leagues. Both teams have proven themselves to be formidable forces in the state, with impressive records and high-powered offenses. The clash between these two teams promises to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Here’s a closer look at their performances, strengths, and how they stack up against each other.

Osage City: Perfect So Far

Osage City enters this matchup with a perfect 10-0 record. They have been dominant in both district play and overall, boasting a 1.000 win percentage across the board. Their offensive power has been on full display, with the team scoring an average of 41.3 points per game. Osage City has managed to rack up a total of 413 points while only allowing 117, showing their ability to control both sides of the ball.

• Team Stats:
  • Rushing Yards per Game: 200.5
  • Passing Yards per Game: 163.4
  • Total Yards per Game: 363.9
  • Points per Game: 15.7
  • Tackles per Game: 51.6

Leading the way for Osage City is Kasen Parsons, who has been a force both as a rusher and passer, totaling 92.4 rushing yards per game and 158.3 passing yards per game. On defense, Austin Lamb has been a standout with 7.6 tackles per game, helping to bolster their overall defense.

Nemaha Central: The Strong Contender

Nemaha Central, with a 9-1 record, has also been an impressive competitor this season. They have been dominant in their district as well, finishing undefeated in district play with a 1.000 win percentage. With an average of 32.1 points per game, Nemaha Central’s offensive line has been firing on all cylinders. The team has accumulated 321 points while allowing just 93, showcasing their offensive efficiency and defensive resilience.

• Team Stats:
  • Rushing Yards per Game: 229.5
  • Passing Yards per Game: 95.4
  • Total Yards per Game: 324.9
  • Points per Game: 32.1
  • Tackles per Game: 83.5

Carter Hajek has been the leader for Nemaha Central, contributing 166.4 rushing yards per game and 89.5 passing yards per game. On the defensive side, Abram Keim has been a key contributor with 12.6 tackles per game, leading the charge for a defense that has shut down many of its opponents.

Head-to-Head Comparison

The comparison between these two teams highlights some striking similarities and differences. Osage City has a more balanced offense, with strong performances in both rushing and passing yards, while Nemaha Central has leaned heavily on their ground game, with 229.5 rushing yards per game compared to just 95.4 passing yards per game.

In terms of points per game, Osage City has a slight edge in terms of total yards gained, but Nemaha Central’s ground game has been even more productive, which could be a game-changer in a head-to-head matchup.

When it comes to defense, Nemaha Central has been the more formidable team with 83.5 tackles per game, while Osage City’s 51.6 tackles per game are slightly lower. However, Osage City has been able to limit opponents to a mere 117 points all season, a testament to their strong defensive play.

Common Opponents: A Key Indicator

Both teams have faced Silver Lake this season, with both securing victories. Osage City defeated Silver Lake 35-21, while Nemaha Central had an even more dominant win, defeating Silver Lake 35-7. This suggests that while both teams are evenly matched, Nemaha Central’s defense may have been slightly more effective in their head-to-head game.

Playoff Picture

Both teams have qualified for the playoffs, with Osage City maintaining a perfect 10-0 in-state record, while Nemaha Central comes in at 9-1. Osage City’s 2-0 playoff record and unbeaten in-state performance gives them the edge in terms of playoff readiness, but Nemaha Central is right on their heels with a strong 2-0 playoff record of their own.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming game between Osage City and Nemaha Central promises to be a thrilling contest between two of Kansas’ best teams. While Osage City has shown offensive balance and a strong defense, Nemaha Central’s running game and aggressive defense could present a challenge for the undefeated team. Fans can expect a tightly contested game with both teams battling for supremacy in what could be a preview of the state championship.