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“Playoffs?” - Jim Mora
Yes, coach. We’re talking about the playoffs. Because they’re here. Thirty teams from the Ozarks seek the state championship in five different classifications. Thirty teams are done for the year. At least nine more schools will start basketball practice after tomorrow night. Here’s what to watch for.
CLASS 1
- Lockwood (6-4) at Thayer (8-1)
- This one is simple. Can Lockwood contain the running attack of the Bobcats? Josh Huckabee is the big dog. But Cameron Carey & Ethan Leisenring are equally able to run for big yards. The weather should be good giving the Tigers and Blake Abbiatti a chance to make some yards through the air. But if the defense doesn’t play their best game, it won’t matter.
- Miller (8-2) at Jasper (8-2)
- What a difference a year makes. A year ago Jasper was 2-8 and done for the season. Now, not only are they 8-2 and hosting a playoff game, they get a rematch with the conference champs. Miller will bring a different look with QB Justin Jack back. But Jasper will be looking to the same trio, QB Matt Newman, RB Austin Spencer, and WR Jeff Pipenbrink to keep Miller off balance defensively and score points. LB Derek Jack & DL Luke Nunez will need to keep the pressure on Newman.
- Archie (4-6) at Greenfield (9-1)
- Last year Archie missed the playoffs with a 6-4 record. They aren’t as good as they were then. Having lost to Osceola 20-14 earlier this year. Look for Greenfield to try to pound them into oblivion. Montana Hembree, Jamie Gray, and Jordan Bryant should have a field day.
- Liberal (6-4) at Adrian (8-2)
- This has the potential to be a great game. Adrian can make yards both on the ground & through the air, but when their passing has to carry the load they lose. They also thrive off turnovers forcing 34 and having a +14 turnover margin for the year. If the Bulldogs can focus on the run and force the Blackhawks to throw they have a chance. But Adrian’s defense has been brutal yielding only 20 points in their eight wins. Whoever wins the turnover battle wins this one.
CLASS 2
- Ash Grove (4-6) at Mt. View-Liberty (8-2)
- Ash Grove’s victory over Strafford went against the grain of their entire season as they had struggled against solid, fast defenses & good rushing attacks. Sound familiar? It should. Liberty’s D has yielded a high of 21 points this year. And despite the passing possibilities of Kole Gastineau & Derek Daniels, it’s been the rushing of Daniel Porter that makes the Eagles go.
- Willow Springs (4-6) at Fair Grove (10-0)
- The Bears have had a decent season, making the playoffs and throwing a scare into Mt. View-Liberty. But a closer look paints an ugly picture. Their four wins came against teams that won 8 games combined all year. And their ability to stay close to Liberty was aided by four first half Eagle turnovers. Fair Grove and Caleb Schaffitzel should have an easy time getting to the quarterfinals.
- El Dorado Springs (6-4) at Lamar (4-6)
- Suddenly a very interesting matchup after the Bulldogs almost knocked off Warsaw last week. Kanon Hoover & Michael Boonyakiti lead an opportunistic Bulldog offense that thrives off turnovers. Lamar has been getting stronger each week as they have continued to adjust to the graduation of 12 starters from last year. The offense has rounded into shape be hind QB Trenton Doyle, and the tough Big 8 schedule has hardened the squad.
- Pierce City (6-4) at Warsaw (10-0)
- The Eagles have turned around a horrible start, but now have a huge challenge. The Warsaw defense has given up only 31 points in the last 6 games while scoring 211. The Eagles stable of solid running backs (Alex Clayton, Garrett Garman, Curtis Palmer, and Cody Cox) need to make some time on the ground to give their defense some time to rest.
CLASS 3
- Fulton 5-5 at Salem (7-3)
- Salem makes planning simple for opponents because their game plan is simple. They’re going to try to run over, under, around, & through you. Try and stop them. And more often then not, opponents haven’t been able to. In fact only one current class 3 team from the Ozarks has appeared in more than one state title game in the last 20 years, and it’s Salem. Andy Kissir, Ty Floyd, and Derek Freeman tote the rock for the Tigers this year with authority. And they’re looking to avenge last year’s 20-7 loss to Fulton in the regionals.
- Mountain Grove (8-2) at Versailles (6-4)
- Another revenge game as Mountain Grove lost 14-10 to Versailles last year. But Versailles is better than their record. Losing to 8-2 Blair Oaks, 8-2 Lexington, 8-2, Higginsville, and 10-0 Warsaw. The Tigers are also 4-1 at home this year losing only to Blair Oaks. The Panthers will face a Tiger team that prefers the ground attack, but has a QB who can run and pass effectively. They’ll need to establish the ground game and absolutely have to own the line to win.
- Osage (4-6) at Rogersville (9-1)
- Osage is another team that is better than their record with five of their six losses coming to playoff teams. They rely on a speedy defense yielding over 20 points only twice this year. Colton Dill’s versatility should give the Wildcats the advantage and their defense should be able to hold Osage down enough for the win.
- Seneca (7-3) at Catholic (7-3)
- Interesting matchup in that the best passing offenses Seneca has faced this year, Carthage & Neosho, have both resulted in losses for the Indians. Conversely, Catholic’s three losses have come at the hands of more physical teams. The first half should tell the story. If the Irish can strike early and grab, say, a 2 TD lead going into the second half, they have a great chance to winning. But, if it’s any closer or if Seneca has the lead, the Indians should move on.
- Aurora (3-7) at Cassville (9-1)
- It looks like a mismatch but don’t forget two things. 1 – it’s a matchup of old Big 8 rivals. That always carries some heat. 2 – Aurora held the Wildcats to a 7-7 tie at the half in their previous meeting this year. Don’t think that’s not in the minds of the Cassville players. Look for Joseph Gouvion and the Cats to be focused as they try to put an improved Aurora team away early.
CLASS 4
- Hillcrest (6-4) at Pacific (8-2)
- One of the great stories in Missouri football, Pacific has topped their win total of the previous 5 seasons combined. Pacific’s QB, Blake Arnette, has passed and rushed for over 1,300 yards this season. Their defense is not the tightest, so look for the Hornet offense to turn this into a shootout. Mitch Jenkins must use his other weapons, but not lose sight of Doriel Green. This should be a great game.
- Union (6-4) at Bolivar (9-1)
- Unlike last year, Union goes as their defense goes giving up 31 or more in their four losses, and holding teams to 15 or less in their six wins. But they can still score going for 39 or more four times this year. They tend to get lit up by good balanced offenses, and that’s music to Bolivar’s ears. Kolton Peavey, Alex Talley, and Josh Moffett should be just what Union doesn’t want to see.
- Carthage (8-2) at Neosho (7-3)
- Carthage won the previous meeting 27-25 at Neosho. Since then, Neosho lost to Webb City by a touchdown, then rolled to four wins averaging 43.75 ppg. And will last year playoff game be in the minds of Carthage? Shawn Flannigan found a gimmick that allowed them to roll that day. Can Brian Poston & Devron Moore make the most of their possessions? And how will the reported suspensions affect the Tigers?
- Branson (6-4) at Webb City (10-0)
- Yes, we’ve all heard that Webb City will be missing three starters for this game. But honestly, do you want the Cardinals to have a “Us against the world” attitude going? I didn’t think so. They are deep all over and Tee Helsel and the rest of the Pirates will still need their very best game to have a chance. Patrick Drake will still be under center, and the Cardinals despite being 10-0 will feel they have something to prove.
CLASS 5
- Rolla (9-1) at Washington (7-3)
- After rolling through the first eight games scoring no less than 30 points, the Bulldogs have put up only 27 combined the last two weeks. Washington may be just what Rolla needs as they have struggled to stop strong running teams. Look for Jonny Canhos & Mason Ridenhour to bust loose.
- Raytown (3-7) at Nixa (7-3)
- The Eagles have to feel good coming into this game. Playing at home, having scored over 90 points in the last two games, and only the OT loss to Ozark tarnishing their district record. Raytown’s three wins are against teams with five total wins among them. And strong running teams have pounded them. Look for Jordan Keeney to go off.
