FOOTBALL: Sunflower League power rankings

1. Lawrence Free State

Last week: Defeated Olathe North 38-22

Putting together perhaps its best offensive performance of the season, the Firebirds had no trouble with Olathe North during the playoff opener and now face Olathe East, a team that is similar in style but has more talent and executes better.

2. SM West

Last week: Defeated BV Northwest 34-14

As it has done all season, the Vikings relied on Brett Sterbach and a suffocating defense to dismantle BV Northwest in the opening round of the playoffs. A rematch with Lawrence promises intrigue.

3. Lawrence

Last week: Defeated Gardner Edgerton 34-32

The undersized Chesty Lions faced a tough matchup last week and didn’t exactly bottle up Trailblazers running back Traevohn Wrench, who rushed for 328 yards, but they did outscore him. Lather, rinse, repeat.

4. Olathe East

Last week: Defeated SM East 17-7

The Hawks have peaked at the perfect time, especially on defense, but Lawrence Free State is firing on all cylinders at the momen, and T.J. Cobbs proved that he can burn teams that focus too intently on containing Kyle McFarland in the run game.

5. SM East

Last week: Lost to Olathe East 17-7

The Lancers’ offense sputtered down the stretch, and coach Chip Sherman’s squad ran into a highly motivated Olathe East team that was playing lock-down defense in the postseason. That shouldn’t take the shine off of a great season and great careers for the senior class.

6. Olathe North

Last week: Lost to Lawrence Free State 38-22

In many respects, simply reaching the playoffs was a championship performance for the Eagles in the first season with Gene Wier back on the sideline. Overcoming a rough start, Olathe North laid the foundation for better things as soon as next season.