The Chieftains advanced in the Class 4A playoffs this past Friday after holding off Atchison in a wild 57-50 game on the road at Amelia Earhart Field.

THS takes a 9-2 record into this week’s state semifinal against St. Thomas Aquinas (8-3) at Beatty Field.

The historic matchup likely will mean record attendance for one last game this season at Beatty Field, which also means a final halftime performance from the THS Marching Chieftains and routines and performances by the THS Spirit Squad and Chieftain Stars.

School officials are encouraging fans to carpool amid the anticipated record crowds. The district also will be opening up the grass field west of the USD 464 Administrative Center to overflow parking. The school district will be shuttling fans who would like transportation from the overflow lot to Beatty Field via golf carts.

THS activities director Josey Eastes said Tuesday that THS would be releasing a map online to assist fans in visualizing parking options and any other helpful tips in preparation for Friday’s big game. The winner of that game will play Thanksgiving weekend in the state championship at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka.