By james art 
TOPEKA — The first round of the Kansas high school football playoffs is in the books. Four Topeka-area teams advanced while another five saw their seasons come to an end.
The hopes and dreams of winning a state championship are still alive for Hayden, Rossville, Silver Lake and Seaman. All four teams will host the district championship next week.
Here’s everything that happened in the first round of the playoffs, marking the end of Week 9 play:
Hayden advances past Hiawatha
Hayden used their diverse offense scheme to live in the end zone all night against Hiawatha. The Wildcats earned the 56-6 victory in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs.
Cade Mitchell, Jude Krentz and Jensen Schrickel each scored two touchdowns in the win. Schrickel weaved his way around the Hiawatha defense in the third quarter for a remarkable score. He dug his left foot into the ground and broke a few tackles to show off his skill set.
Jace Wolfe scored a rushing touchdown while quarterback Jet Wallmeyer found Connor Hanika for the only passing touchdown of the night. After the win, Wahlmeier explained that the team has developed a team chemistry that has only improved from Week 1 to today. A strong team bond can be the difference between a deep playoff run or going home early.
“Our energy comes into the games,” Wohlmeier said of Hayden’s improvement throughout the season. “With the stakes now, it’s a lot more exciting and you’re a lot more restless. You just want to go harder and harder every game.”
No. 3 Hayden will try to keep the energy high as they play at home in the regional championship next week. The Willdcats will face No. 6 Girard (6-3) in the next round of the playoffs. Girard defeated Bishop Ward 43-15 in its first-round win.
Seaman beat Topeka West in the rematch
It was a conference rematch of United Kansas in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs. No. 3 Seaman (7-2) beat No. 14 Topeka West earlier in the season and they were able to beat the Chargers once again on Friday night. The Vikings rode their high-powered offense 65-7.
Quarterback Max Houston rushed for the first touchdown, but a strong Topeka West possession helped them tie the game. Quarterback Josiah Wilke, a freshman, fired the ball to senior Treyvion Barr on the out route, resulting in a touchdown.
Seaman regained the momentum from a safety in the second quarter that propelled them to victory. The Vikings used their passing attack, led by Briar Finley, to add to the scoring. Running back Kaden McKinney also found the end zone in the win.
Topeka West’s young squad finished the season 1-8, but played some of its best late-season ball. He put up a strong fight against Piper last week and his play in the first half against Seaman was solid.
Seaman advances to next week’s regional championship game. They will host No. 11 Valley Center (2-6). The Hornets upset #6 Goddard 7-6 in their Week 9 matchup.
Rossville, Silver Lake earn first-round wins
In Class 1A, No. 4 Rossville (6-3) defeated No. 13 Wabaunsee 47-13. It was the second win of the season over Wabaunsee for the Bulldawgs. Connor Bush set the tone early with two rushing touchdowns for the first points of the game. Rossville rode the momentum all the way to the finish line. Rossville will host No. 5 McLouth (7-2) in the regional championship next week.
No. 5 Silver Lake (7-2) demolished Galena 61-0 in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs on Thursday. The Eagles were able to score in the passing and shooting game while their defense was once again excellent. Silver Lake will host No. 4 Council Grove (6-3) in the regional championship round next week.
The season ends for five Shawnee County teams
Five Capitals teams ended their seasons in the first week of the playoffs. Five of the four teams played away from home, showing the importance of home field advantage.
Washburn Rural traveled to Maize and was defeated 37-21. Topeka High lost to Centennial League rival Junction City by 33 points. Highland Park hung with Pittsburgh in the first half but couldn’t hang on as they lost by 31 points. Spring Hill beat Shawnee Heights 48-14, while Topeka West lost to Seaman.
Topeka Area High School Football Week 9 Results
- No. 3 Hayden 56, No. 14 Hayawata 6
- No. 8 Junction City 47, No. 9 Topeka High 14
- No. 7 Tsarevica 37, No. 10 Washburn Rural 21
- No. 9 Pittsburgh 49, No. 8 Highland Park 18
- No. 4 Rossville 47, No. 13 Wabaunsee 13
- No. 3 Seaman 65, No. 14 Topeka West 7
- No. 5 Silver Lake 61, No. 12 Galena 0
- No. 5 Spring Hill 48, No. 12 Shawnee Heights 14
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send him stats or info at Lkeating@gannette.com