1. Redmen defense strong: Smith Center stretched its Kansas  record and nation’s best 73-game winning streak with a 24-12 victory against Colby. It’s the biggest margin of victory for the Redmen in a month after beating Norton 20-14, Phillipsburg 14-12 and Ellis 16-10, the closest stretch in Smith Center’s run. The Redmen haven’t beaten anybody with authority since blanking winless Plainville and Trego 59-0 in Weeks 1 and 2. The Redmen, though, should keep the winning streak for several more weeks - and possibly another state title. The Redmen’s schedule is much easier in the next month with district games against Washington County and Osborne, a bye, then a first round playoff game versus either Plainville or Trego. Secondly, while the offense has been hurt by injuries to halfback Dereck McNary (knee, out for the season) and quarterback Shawn Stansbury (collarbone), the Redmen defense is outstanding. With the hard part of the regular season behind them, Smith Center has allowed just 48 points, fourth-best in 2-1A behind Olpe (12), Oswego (19), and Oakley (20), according to preppowerindex.com. The defense looks even better when strength of schedule is taken into account. At masseyratings.com, a site that takes into account several variables,  including SOS, Smith Center ranks as the No. 3 defense with  a 9.03 ranking. Oakley stands first with a 12.77 mark and Pittsburg-St. Marys-Colgan is second at 9.74. After 6 games last season, Smith Center had allowed 50 points en route to a 13-0 record and their fifth straight title.