Football Game Preview: Atchison Phoenix vs. Parsons Vikings

The Atchison Phoenix will face off against the Parsons Vikings on Friday. Atchison has given up an average of 33.5 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Atchison is headed into the matchup out to prove that what happened against Highland Park on Thursday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. The Phoenix came up short against the Scots, falling 42-18. The Phoenix have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Atchison might have lost, but man, Jeremiah Thompson was a machine: he picked up 89 receiving yards and one touchdown, and also punched in one score on the ground.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Parsons, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Friday. They put the hurt on Neodesha with a sharp 27-6 win on Friday. That looming 27-6 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Vikings yet this season.

Atchison better keep an eye on Chandler Hentzen. He was instrumental in Parsons' win, rushing for 187 yards and three TDs. Hentzen also put in work on the defensive side of the ball, forcing one fumble, making 14 total tackles (1.0 for loss), and defending two passes in addition to snagging two interceptions.

The victory got Parsons back to even at 3-3. As for Atchison, their loss dropped their record down to an identical 3-3.

Everything came up roses for Atchison against Parsons when the teams last played back in October of 2024, as the team secured a 48-0 win. Will the Phoenix repeat their success, or do the Vikings have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.