By Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — Here’s what to expect tonight for the outer Sumner County football teams…

Garden Plain (1-0) at Conway Springs (1-0) 

When these two rivals meet, it is always a big game. Conway Springs has won 25 straight games. The last time Conway Springs lost was against Kingman, but the week before, in 2023, it lost 20-14 to Garden Plain – its fifth straight loss at the time. The Cards came back and defeated the Owls in 2024, 13-7.

This is going to be a tough one. Garden Plain defeated Wichita Trinity 34-15 the week before, behind 375 yards of rushing and three touchdowns from Emrick Hays. Conway Springs beat upset-minded Nickerson 28-20 in the season opener. The Cardinals will need a big game from Logan Osner, who rushed for 192 yards in week one.

South Sumner (1-0) at Olpe (0-1) 

One thing about playing 11-man football, South Sumner has had to travel. This year is better than last year, when the Outlaws traveled to all corners of the state. Most of those teams are coming to Sumner County this season. Tonight is the exception. Caldwell-South Haven has a two-hour trip to the small burg south of Emporia.

South Sumner will have its work cut out for it when battling Olpe, which lost to Osage City 41-13. Olpe is a football powerhouse, reaching the second round of Class 1A in 2024. Last year, Olpe beat South Sumner 27-7. The Outlaws are hoping to build off their 26-7 victory over Pleasanton in week one.

Smoky Valley (1-0)-at Belle Plaine (0-1) 

Belle Plaine is still looking to break its 13-game losing streak. This might be an opportunity to do so. Smoky Valley was 2-7 in 2024 and beat Larned 8-6 in week one, another program that has struggled recently.

The Dragons traveled to Medicine Lodge, losing 36-14 in the first week. Belle Plaine last won against Leon-Bluestem 39-14 on Oct. 6, 2023.

Oxford (1-0) at West Elk (0-1)

West Elk has traditionally dominated the South-Central Border League. But last week the Patriots were beaten by Argonia-Attica 60-12.

Oxford, on the other hand, were 48-0 victors over Sedan. So, the Wildcats have a huge opportunity to make their mark in the SCBL championship race with a victory in Howard. Last season, West Elk won 52-38. Oxford was then able to go on a five-game winning streak before eventually losing to South Central.

Central Burden (0-1) at Argonia-Attica (1-0)

The Titans were hitting all cylinders in their 60-12 victory over West Elk. This will be a big game in Attica as Central-Burden lost 26-20 in week one.