Scott City hosts Smoky Valley in playoff opener

Scott City, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)–The Scott City Beavers return to the playoffs as Class 3A, District 8 Champions, as they will play host to the Smoky Valley Vikings Friday night in the Week 9 Playoff game at Darner Field.

Smoky Valley has won two straight, as they are now 4-4 overall, after a 42-0 win over the Nickerson Panthers last Friday night to clinch a spot in the playoffs. While they finished fourth in their district, the Vikings are a solid team, starting 11 seniors on each side of the football. They have lost to Andale, Cheney and Pratt, who are a combined 20-4 this year. This year, they have average 34 points and 331 yards of offense, while giving up 26 points and 257 yards per game. Karson Pihl has thrown for 712 yards and eight touchdowns, while Justice Autry has rushed for 691 yards and eight touchdowns. 

Scott City recorded their third shutout of the year last Friday night in a 48-0 win at Colby against the Eagles. It was their first unbeaten district title since 2018. The Beavers exploded with a 27-point second quarter, en route to the win. They have scored 35 points have an average of around 300 yards of offense a game, while allowing 12 points and 138 yards per contest. Brady Welker has rushed for over 700 yards with 13 touchdowns, while Dylan Metzger has passed for close to 800 yards with six passing scores this year. The Beaver defense has been solid, as they are plus-13 in the turnover margin.

Scott City is entering their 27th playoffs in school history and have a 53-22 mark, including a 20-3 record in the Bi-District/Week 9 playoff round. 

Tonight will be the third straight year the teams have met, and it’s also the third meeting all-time, with the Beavers winning both games by a combined eight points. Scott City won at Smoky Valley last year 21-14. 

Pregame coverage on Mix 94.5 begins at 6:30. You can also hear the game online at westernkansasnews.com/mix94 and on TuneIn Radio and search for KSKL.