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2009 MFBCA Football Academic All-State Team

Last year I was highly critical that the Ozarks wasn’t very well represented on the football academic all-state team.  A grand total of 16 teams and 47 players from the Ozarks made it last year.  Well let’s give a big round of applause to all the coaches who took the time to nominate their players this year because this year, the Ozarks are proudly represented by 27 teams and 88 players.  Leading the way is Webb City with 8, Lebanon with 7, Fair Grove with 6, Springfield Catholic and Thayer each have 5, and Nixa, Neosho, Salem, Seneca, and state champion Cassville each place 4 players.

Twelve players make their second appearance on the team.  They are Zach Cooley of Lebanon, Damian Fadl of Waynesville, Alex Wise of Neosho, Tanner Green and Ron Johnson of Nevada, Beau Bounous of Monett, Ben Selby of Reeds Spring, Ty Floyd and Kevin Presley of Salem, Max Jersak of Catholic, and Alec Hackett and Caleb Schaffitzel of Fair Grove.  Continue reading 2009 MFBCA Football Academic All-State Team

Quarterfinal Preview

Alright folks.  Quarterfinal Saturday.  Here’s what to look for.

CLASS 1

  • Valle Catholic (12-0) at Miller (10-2)
    • After getting the past their recent nemesis, Thayer, the Cardinals come up against an even more formidable challenge in Valle Catholic.  The Warriors have scored an astonishing 125 points in their first two playoff games.  And average over 45 ppg on the season.  They run a spread offense triggered by senior QB Michael Greminger who passes well, runs well, and causes havoc for opposing defenses.  The Warriors also have athletes all over the field for him to hand off & pass to.  Defensively, they use their speed to attack & force turnovers.  The key for Miller will be to contain Greminger, force him to throw to beat them, and close on receivers quickly to minimize gains.  If they try to cover man-to-man, Greminger has the arm strength to go deep.  If they try to blitz to bring pressure, he read the field very well and will hit his check down receivers.  A balanced, consistent, defensive approach is needed.  Derek Jack and Damon Dempster having big days would help also.  They will score points, just keep it from being too many.  Offensively, Miller has the horses to open some holes, and the speed to exploit them.  But Valle brings great speed also.  Justin Jack needs to use a variety of receivers, Daniel Parscal needs to use his speed to make some plays on the ground, and the Miller offense needs to keep the Warrior defense on the field as much as possible.  A big challenge, but not out of reach.

    Continue reading Quarterfinal Preview

Regional football review

It was almost a perfect night to be an eagle on the gridiron.  4 out of 5 Eagle teams playing won including Pierce City knocking off undefeated Warsaw.  Fair Grove, Mt. View-Liberty, and Nixa also soared to wins.  Only Jasper falls from the feathered football ranks.

Enough with the bird puns.  A great night of football for Ozarks teams.  Some last minute finishes, huge performances, a big upset, 11 teams say goodbye to another football season, and 19 are still alive.

CLASS 1

  • Thayer 36, Lockwood 21
    • This game was 22-21 with just over 4 minutes left and would have been tied but for a missed Lockwood XP.  But a score, an interception, and another TD secured the win.  Cameron Carey was the wrecking ball for the Bobcats rushing for 232 yards and three TDs.  Josh Huckabee added 100+ rushing yards also.  Reports put Lockwood QB Blake Abbiatti at over 350 yards passing.  I’ll update this when I can verify.

    Continue reading Regional football review

Week 9 picks

Amazing isn’t it.  Week 9 and there are still questions to be answered.  Just how good is (Osceola, Ava, Seneca)?  Can Justin Jack get back to form for the playoffs?  Is this senior class at Thayer the true heart of this team that’s been so good these past three years?  And is this their time finally?  Is Jeff Pipenbrink the best small school WR around?  Will anyone score on the Cassville defense again this year?

We may know some of these answers after this week.  As well as some playoff teams and some more conference champions.  But there will surely be more answers to seek next week.  But for now, let’s just focus on the…

Week 9 Picks

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