In the heart of Kansas City, the high school football scene is abuzz with excitement and intense competition as the 2024 season unfolds. Here are the highlights and key developments that have been making waves in the local football community.

### Thrilling Matchups and Standouts

The recent weeks have seen some thrilling matchups that have set the stage for an exciting season. One of the standout games was the Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 2 Game of the Week, featuring Lansing at Shawnee Heights, which garnered significant attention with 56.82% of the votes for the S.M.A.R.T Game of the Week.

In other action, Park Hill cruised past Oak Park to secure a league title, while Northeast rolled over Harmon. Lee's Summit North rallied past their rival Lee's Summit, and Blue Valley West held off St. James.

### Athlete and Coach Honors

Several athletes and coaches have been recognized for their outstanding performances. Paola's Madison Wood was named the Price Chopper Student Athlete of the Week, highlighting her excellence both on and off the field.

Coaches Justin Hamilton of Pleasant Hill and Allen Terrell of Blue Valley were honored as the Chiefs Coaches of the Week, a testament to their leadership and impact on their teams.

### Team Performances

North Kansas City High School has been making waves with their strong run, currently standing at 3-1 after victories against Battle and Excelsior Springs, though they faced a setback with a loss to Park Hill. They are gearing up for a challenging game against the undefeated Kearney.

Other teams like Derby, Blue Valley, and Mill Valley are currently undefeated, showcasing their dominance on the field. Blue Springs South is also back in the conversation in Class 6, indicating a promising season ahead.

### Challenges and Adaptations

Not all news has been positive, however. Osawatomie High School made the difficult decision to forfeit its entire 2024 varsity football season due to safety concerns stemming from low participation and a lack of returning upperclassmen. The school will instead focus on a JV/C-team only schedule to prioritize student safety.

### Returning Championships

In a significant development, the MSHSAA large-class football championships are returning to the Kansas City region after a 39-year hiatus. This move is expected to bring additional excitement and prestige to the local high school football scene.

### NIL Benefits

The landscape of high school sports is also evolving with the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) benefits. BV North's Aubrey Shaw has explained how NIL benefits are affecting Missouri and Kansas high school athletes, providing new opportunities for student-athletes to capitalize on their talents.

As the season progresses, the stakes are rising, and the teams are giving it their all. Whether it's the intense rivalries, the standout performances, or the adaptations to new challenges, Kansas City high school football continues to be a vibrant and captivating spectacle.