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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.

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2009 Regional Football Preview

“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.

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2009 Spring River Valley Football Predictions

Four teams from the SRVC made the playoffs last year.  Lockwood and Pierce City both fell in the first round.  Miller advanced to the second round before hitting the Thayer roadblock again.  While Greenfield marched to the quarterfinals before they saw their season end.  Does Lockwood’s strong play at the end of last season signal good things for them?  Does Pierce City’s returning experience give them an edge on the championship?  Or will Greenfield and Miller battle for the top spot again? Continue reading 2009 Spring River Valley Football Predictions

2009 OzarksSports.Net Football preview

Is it just me, or does it seem like we were just in the dome last month?  My, time does fly when the pigskin isn’t flying.  Or does it take forever to get to next season?  I forget.  My father told me that the older I got the faster time would go by.  That being the case, I feel like I’m pushing 90 years old at this point.  And here’s your chance to kill some more time, because at this time, it’s now time for…

The 2009 OzarksSports.Net Football Preview

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Class 2 final day updates

3:55 PM – Sparta brings it home.  Sparta 56, Canton 49.  The scoring was cranked up in the second half as Canton’s Tori Niemann, who set out most of the first half with two fouls, scored 18 points to finish with 21.  But Sparta was equal to task as they built their lead to as much as 15 in the third period.   Brooke Stevens goes for 19, Kayla Coffer 16, and Tashina Tennis 11 as the Lady Trojans complete the perfect season and win their first state championship!  Sparta leaves no question about who is #1 in class three as they down the #3, #4, & #6 teams from the final poll on their way to the title.

The Ozarks now sit 2-1 in girls state title games this year.  Fair Grove and Skyline will play for their shot this evening.  And Exeter will play for the title tomorrow.  Congratulations Sparta Lady Trojans!  Undefeated state champions!

2:50 PM – Halftime and Sparta holds the lead over Canton 21-16.  The low scoring favors Canton, but Sparta has to like where they stand as they start the second half.  Brooke Stevens and Kayla Coffer each have 9 points.

1:50 PM – We’ll be tipping off shortly, and Sparta will be hoping to bring home the second girls state championship of the year for the Ozarks.  For 2009, we’ve had a girls team from the Ozarks in every title game.  A Fair Grove win later today gets an area rep in all five classes.  So far it’s been a rough weekend for area teams as only Exeter has beaten a team from outside SW Mo.  Sparta with everything on the line starting shortly.
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