It’s been a steady climb to 4-0 and the top of the rankings for Idalia football.
The Wolves hope they can continue to fly as high as Kites.
Sophomore Broderick Kite and freshman Beckett Kite have certainly played an integral role in the start to Idalia’s season, but it’s been so much more for the 6-man squad. Namely, junior Gabe Kechter has already racked up 644 rushing yards to go along with 12 touchdowns. He’s been on the receiving end of a pair of touchdowns through the air, as well, with the Kites combining for nine touchdown passes.
Defensively, the Wolves have been just about as tough as they come, allowing just 50 points in four games (30 came in one game, at Cheylin, Kans.). Idalia countered with 75 points in that one, however, and last week got to work quickly against Walsh in a 53-6 victory.
You don’t get to No. 1 expecting to cruise through the schedule, however.
Up next, coming Friday night, is a visit to Stratton for a league contest. The Eagles have taken each and every matchup in this series since 2021 and have typically been on another gear in the meeting. In fact, the last time Idalia won in the series was 2015, when Stratton and Liberty had a co-op team.
How do the Wolves give themselves a chance at retaining that No. 1 ranking? Containing junior Drew Fox (73 carries, 540 yards, 11 TDs) might be a good start.
Key matchups around the state this week:
Class 2A
Timnath at Wellington, Friday, 7 p.m.
The 2A No. 2 Eagles (3-0) get the 3A No. 9 Cubs (3-1) at home in what has quickly developed into a solid regional rivalry matchup. Wellington has yet to allow a point this season (while scoring 193 in just three games) and the Eagles appear very capable of marching deep into the playoffs once again. Senior Ezra Batjargal has three sacks, six tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries already to his name.
Class 1A
Limon at Buena Vista, Friday, 6 p.m.
It’s a 1-vs-2 battle in 1A this week, as Limon has held strong its position at the top all season while seeing Buena Vista jump out to a 3-0 start. The Demons had last week off, giving them extra days to prepare for a team that beat them 26-13 in Limon last season. BVHS averages 213 yards on the ground; Limon is currently averaging 245.
8-man
Dayspring Christian at Akron, Friday, 7 p.m.
After going 4-6 last season, DCA has already won four games as it approaches its biggest test of the year, at the No. 2 Rams. Sophomore Hawkins Flanagan is a dual threat at QB, and the Eagles have also gotten 300 rushing yards a game from a stable of backs (six RBs have at least six carries). Akron’s offense also runs through a sophomore quarterback, Kolten Randel. The young gunslinger has 595 passing yards and 242 rushing yards.
6-man
Kiowa at Primero, Friday, 6:30 p.m.
After falling in its opener, Primero has won three straight. Kiowa has alternated wins and losses and will hope to avoid extending that trend this week. After playing receiver last year, Gabe Sintas is back at QB for Primero, and he’s shown extreme confidence in throwing for 497 yards and six TDs already.
