OTIS - The Altoona-Midway High School Jets knew that the odds were stacked against them when they had to make a 4-hour bus ride (one-way) just to open Kansas 6-Man postseason football against a highly-regarded Otis-Bison High School team here Thursday.

And the results were what the prognosticators expected, as the talented Otis-Bison Cougars rolled to a 63-6 victory in the first-round playoff tilt. The win allows Otis-Bison to remain at home and host a regional round matchup Friday with Marais Des Cygnes Valley, an 82-52 winner over Chase High School.

Meanwhile, the loss ended the 2026 season for Altoona-Midway (0-8). But instead of looking back with regret, the youthful Jets and head coach Sean Price instead chose to look ahead with optimism.

“We were only able to suit up seven players for the long trip to face Otis-Bison,” said Price. "Broghan Douglas had the flu and was forced to stay at home. It hurt not having him there. But I am so proud of this team for finishing the season the right way, on the field.

“These young men gave it everything they had against a quality opponent, just as they have done all season long,” Price continued. “As I said earlier, I’m really proud of the fight from this team. We gained a lot of experience this season and we bring everyone back next year - so the fanbase should be excited about what the future holds. I know I am.”

Otis-Bison, featuring a talented, veteran squad, entered the contest with only a loss to undefeated Tescott marring its record. And the Cougars lived up to their billing, rolling to a 23-0 lead before the Jets could break into the scoring column.

Altoona-Midway drove down the field and scored on an 8-yard pass from freshman Beau Clines to sophomore Zach Good, closing the gap to 23-6.

The Cougars, however, responded with 40 unanswered points to end the Jets’ season.

“We put together a very good drive late in the first quarter, highlighted by Beau throwing a TD pass to Zach, but other than that we struggled on offense,” Price said. 

“We couldn't run the ball against them and it really hampered us tonight,’” he noted. “Bison is a great program that is lead by seniors and jumped on us early and often.

“But like I said, these kids never quit,” Price added. “They gave it their all each and every game, and I’m proud of them.”

Altoona-Midway finished the contest with minus-3 yards rushing on 10 attempts. The only rusher to end with positive yardage was Good, who had seven yards on five carries.

Clines went to the air 23 times, completing nine of his passes for 84 yards. The leading receiver was Chance Mustain, who hauled in three aerials for 57 yards. Chance Carter had two catches for 12 yards. Jet receivers recording one catch apiece were Good, Hunter Reaves, Karter Letterman, and Hyden Buchanan.

Clines was also the defensive leader for AMHS. Clines recorded three solo tackles, including a pair of tackles for loss, and also was credited with a pass deflection.

The Jets’ roster included just two juniors and no seniors this season.