Four teams remain in the Class 5A East half of the playoff bracket, and three are from the Eastern Kansas League.
St. Thomas Aquinas (9-0) hosts fellow league member Blue Valley Southwest (3-7) Friday night, and De Soto hosts EKL member and intra-district neighbor, Mill Valley. The winners will meet in the state semifinals for a state berth.
Aquinas defeated St. James, 34-7, to earn a spot in the quarterfinals, while Blue Valley Southwest defeated Kansas City Schlagle, 37-14.
The Saints defeated Blue Valley Southwest, 62-7, in Week 2 this season.
"We've got to go out and play how we can play," said coach Randy Dreiling. "Everyone at the beginning of the season wants to be in this position, and here we are with the opportunity to get one step closer to our goal."
The Timberwolves won one regular season game, 28-27 over Blue Valley Northwest.
Aquinas has defeated Blue Valley Southwest three consecutive times.
"What's important now is that we play at the highest level possible," said Dreiling. "Everything is accentuated this time of year. Every play counts."
The Saints' average margin of victory this season is 46-16, with 464 yards of offense to opponents' 252. Aquinas averages eight yards per carry and 11 yards per pass attempt.
Junior fullback Tyron "Tank" Young averages 182 rushing yards per game on 8.8 yards per carry. He has 27 touchdowns.
Slot Finn Barnett averages 12.2 yards per carry and 23.7 yards per reception. Slot Tom Downey averages 7.7 yards per carry and 26 yards per reception.
Wideout Isaiah Gavin, who also plays defensive back, leads the team with 312 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns. Five players have receiving touchdowns.
"Our offensive line is playing some dominant football right now," said Dreiilng. "We continue to expect more from them each week."
Six players on defense have reached 100 points on the team tackle chart.
Freshman defensive end Sa'o Siavi'i has 11.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, and eight hurries. Junior defensive tackle Caden Reeves has five tackles for loss, three sacks, and seven hurries. Junior defensive end Cameron Penny has 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and eight hurries.
Senior linebacker Michael McNamara has 63 tackles and seven hurries. Senior linebacker Bobby Pierce has eight hurries and 43 tackles.
Sophomore safety Dajni Brooks has three interceptions, six pass breakups, and 45 tackles.