If you’re anything like me, I’m sure you’re ready for some Friday night action. But we had some interesting developments last week, so I figured I’d hop on here and do an extended blog that covers all the happenings in week one and what we might expect in week two.

Starting next week, be sure to check back for daily updates on the East Kansas League. I’ll be introducing a new feature –the EKL Player of the Week – and I’ll also be splitting up this notebook throughout the week so more people can check it out. 

So without further ado, let's get this show on the road.

The Rundown: Week 1 Recap

At NO. 5 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 76, NORTH KANSAS CITY 0: Yeah, I’m not sure anyone saw this coming. A victory? Sure. But a complete and utter blowout? Nah. However, the Saints showed just how dangerous their offense - which returns eight starters - can be. EKL teams be warned.

At NO. 5 BISHOP MIEGE 27, ATCHISON 6: The newest kid on the block in 4A made a stylish debut. It wasn't a big surprise, considering the Stags beat Atchison in the season opener last year too, but this was definitely a nice start to a season in which the Stags have big expectations.

At MANHATTAN 29, BLUE VALLEY 7: What a disappointing loss for Blue Valley, which has a bunch of returning starters but was unable to get much going against a Manhattan team that went 4-5 last year.

At BLUE VALLEY NORTH 27, TURNER 0: Big win for the Mustangs, who avenge a season-opening loss to Turner last year that keyed a 0-5 start. BV North is already two wins away from matching last year’s win total.

ANDOVER CENTRAL 27, at BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST 20: Tough loss for the Huskies, who hoped to get their season off to a better start. However, the Huskies’ passing game showed some promise, with quarterback Michael Petersen completing 23 of 34 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns and receiver Matt Ornduff catching 11 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown.

The Notebook: News around the league

Blue Valley North: The Mustangs’ new spread option offense was a minor success in their first game, but coach Jason Jones admits they have work to do. Operating out of the shotgun for the majority of the game – a far cry from the grind-it-out-style they've been known for the past couple of years – the Mustangs committed six turnovers (two interceptions, four fumbles) in their 24-0 win over Turner.

Still, coach Jason Jones sees some positives. 

“We still rushed for more than we passed, but just the threat of the pass made a difference,” said Jones, who estimates the Mustangs threw around 20 times.

The defense, however, was the bright spot. the Mustangs held Turner to 62 total yards. Jones praised linebacker Sam Joye, who he said had roughly nine tackles and a fumble return for a touchdown.

Blue Valley Northwest: After turning the ball over five times and running for -12 yards (including sack yardage) in their season-opening loss to Andover Central, Huskies coach Mike Zegunis said his team has been working on taking care of the football and improving its rushing attack in preparation for their week two game against Blue Valley.

“We‘re hoping we can eliminate some of the mistakes we made in week one,” Zegunis said. “Anytime you face Blue Valley, you better bring it.”

*The Huskies suffered a tough blow Friday when they lost offensive lineman/linebacker Thomas Brown to a wrist injury. Coach Mike Zegunis said there’s a chance he could be out for the rest of the season.

St. Thomas Aquinas: The Saints’ 76-0 blowout over North Kansas City went about as well as coach Kevin Kopecky could have possibly hoped.

Quarterback Ricky Nachbar was terrific, completing 15 of 25 passes for 296 yards and five touchdowns, while running back Andrew Gittemeier stepped in for the injured Demetrious Baylis and ran for 143 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.  

The Bourquin brothers also had a big night. Zach, a receiver, caught six passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns, while Beau, a middle linebacker, led the team with eight tackles. Senior defensive lineman Max Kryger wasn’t far behind, with seven tackles – including a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown.

However, Baylis’ injury was sobering news. During the preseason, teammates were raving about the playmaking ability of the Rockhurst transfer. However, he carried the ball just six times for 31 yards before suffering a knee injury that could cause him to miss the rest of the season.

The Spotlight: Week Two Previews

Game of the Week

Bishop Miege (1-0) at St. Thomas Aquinas (1-0) 7 p.m. Friday. I’ll be at this one. This should be a heck of a game. The Stags shocked the Saints in a 36-19 victory last season, so expected a motivated St. Thomas Aquinas team. The Stags must find a way to get the football to their playmakers (running back Andrew Cage and receiver Justin McCay) while the Saints must handle the Stags’ defensive pressure and establish the run.

Best of the Rest

Blue Valley (0-1) at Blue Valley Northwest (0-1) 7 p.m. Friday. Both teams need this win. Period. After suffering disappointing losses in week one, neither wants to start 0-1 in league play. Both also teams need to clean up their play on offense. The Tigers couldn’t cash in against Manhattan’s defense last week, while the Huskies committed five turnovers against Andover Central. 

Blue Valley North (1-0) at Maize (1-0) 7 p.m. Friday. Maize will probably dare BV North to beat them through the air, which should give the Mustangs the perfect opportunity to show the rest of the EKL that they are no long a "three yards and a cloud of dust" type of team.

Blue Valley West (1-0) at Goddard (0-1) 7 p.m. Friday. Expect the Jaguars to keep playing old-fashioned football – run the football and stop the run – and to continue their winning streak.