Week 10 picks

For this week, we’re gonna break it down a little differently.  Because it’s a different time of year.  It’s a time when a team that has one win on the year can be playing for a shot at the playoffs.  It’s a time when a coach could say “This game really means nothing.” and be right.  And most importantly, it’s a time when one game can make the difference between playing on, and getting ready for basketball season.  The playoffs don’t officially start until next Wednesday.  But you’ll never convince some of these teams of that.  Let’s get it on with the…

Week 10 Picks

For All the Marbles (Winner takes first.  Loser takes second)

• Warsaw (9-0) (#4 class 2) at El Dorado Springs (6-3) – Thursday
  • Since giving up a fourth quarter lead against Fair Grove, the Bulldogs have been playing well winning three straight.  But this is a Warsaw squad that hung 62 points on Strafford and 8-2 Blair Oaks.
  • Prediction: El Do takes the consolation prize as Warsaw romps.
• Mt. View-Liberty (7-2) at Willow Springs (4-5) – Thursday
  • With the return of Coty Martin and Brandon Fiske, the Eagle defense is rounding back into early season form.  Willow Springs is still a dangerous team because they can put up some points, but their defense has been brutalized by strong running teams.  And Liberty still wants a piece of the SCA championship.
  • Prediction: The Eagles win going away.

Win Or Go Home (Winner takes second)

• Willard (1-8) at Hillcrest (5-4) – Thursday
  • These teams enter this game going in different directions.  Willard put in a workman like performance to get their first W of the year.  Hillcrest started hot, but faded & got thrashed by Bolivar.
  • Prediction: The Roweton brothers may be sharing some information, but I think Hillcrest still takes it.
• Osceola (6-3) at Liberal (5-4) – Thursday
  • The Indians have had a wonderful season.  But their three losses highlight their Achilles heel.  Physical teams.  Bad news for them, Liberal brings physicality by the bucket load.
  • Prediction: Liberal powers their way to the win.
• Marionville (4-5) at Miller (7-2) – Thursday
  • Both teams were thumped by Thayer, and both beat Cabool 7-0.  Playing in the swimming pool at Cabool might be the reason for Miller only getting 7, but they’ll have to prove it on the field.
  • Prediction: Miller gets back on track.
• Poplar Bluff (6-3) at West Plains (2-7) – Thursday
  • Before getting shut out last week, the Mules hadn’t scored less than 25 in a game.  West Plains is looking to work their magic one more time.
  • Prediction: I’m going with the Zizzers.
• Strafford (5-4) at Ash Grove (3-6) – Thursday
  • Ash Grove gets a shot to redeem their season but gets a Indian squad that may be shell shocked from last week comeback by Fair Grove.
  • Prediction: Strafford bounces back.
• Mountain Grove (7-2) (#7 class 3) at Ava (7-2) – Friday
  • A battle for the SCA title also.  Ava needs to bounce back quickly from last weeks defeat.  Evan Williams looks to grab another championship & get back to the playoffs.
  • Prediction: Too much ground power for the Bears.  Panthers win.
• Monett (8-1) (#5 class 3 ) at Seneca (6-3) – Thursday
  • Monett looked better last week, but still could have easily been behind at the half.  Seneca gave an admirable showing, but now has to have this one.
  • Prediction: The Indians are too strong up from for the Cubs.  Seneca wins.
• Mt. Vernon (4-5) at Aurora (2-7) – Thursday
  • I can not tell you how excited I am about this game.  When was the last time the most heated rivalry in Missouri had a playoff spot riding on the outcome?
  • Prediction: The Dawgs bring the heat on Corey Phillips and get the win.

Up In the Air ( First and/or second still up for grabs)

• Sarcoxie (4-5) at Jasper (7-2) – Thursday
  • The Eagles look to top off a great comeback season.  But Sarcoxie is still alive for a spot.
  • Prediction: Jasper wins the game and the district.
• McAuley (0-9) at Lockwood (5-4) – Thursday
  • Lockwood has come on strong the second half.  McAuley is trying to avoid an O-fer this year.
  • Prediction: Lockwood.
• Carl Junction (5-4) at Webb City (9-0) (#1 class 4) – Thursday
  • The Bulldogs are still alive, but don’t look for Braxton Baker & the rest of the Cardinals to do them any favors.
  • Prediction: Webb City caps an undefeated regular season.
• Carthage (7-2) at Nevada (3-6) – Thursday
  • Carthage can claim the tie breaker edge over CJ with a win.
  • Prediction: Carthage with the win.
• Diamond (1-8) at Pierce City (5-4) – Thursday
  • After being bounced severely by Lamar, Pierce City has to avoid a letdown against a struggling Diamond squad.
  • Prediction: The Eagles win easily.
• Lamar (3-6) at Stockton (3-6) – Friday
  • Lamar’s annual district roll is well underway and the post season awaits.  Stockton still has a shot, but needs the win.
  • Prediction: Lamar goes 3-0 in the district.
• Glendale (2-7) at Nixa (6-3) – Friday
  • Glendale can play spoiler to Nixa’s hopes.  While the Eagles can help knock out rival Ozark.
  • Prediction: Nixa takes it easily.
• Parkview (2-7) at Kickapoo (5-4) – Friday
  • Parkview can only end the party.  Kickapoo needs the win to advance.
  • Prediction: The Chiefs march on.
• Rolla (9-0) (#5 class 5) at Camdenton (6-3) – Friday
  • Camdenton has to have the win to avoid missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
  • Prediction: Rolla goes to 10-0.
• Lebanon (5-4) at Waynesville (2-7) – Friday
  • Just like last year, both teams are still alive.  The Tigers defense has stepped up but Josh Mattes and Cole Matlock will be a challenge.
  • Prediction: Lebanon wins but not without a fight.

Rest of the schedule (No impact on standings)

• Bolivar (8-1) (#6 class 4) at Marshfield (4-5) – Thursday
  • The Liberators are flying high and now can claim the COC title for their own.  Marshfield needs their best game to stay in it.
  • Prediction: Bolivar’s JV sees a lot of action.
• Greenfield (8-1) (#8 class 1) at Rich Hill (0-9) – Thursday
  • Um, mismatch of the year?
  • Prediction: Greenfield and both teams wishing for a second quarter turbo clock.
• Buffalo (2-7) at Rogersville (8-1) (#1 class 3) – Thursday
  • After claiming their district, the Wildcats will get a chance to celebrate the season at home and get ready for the playoffs.
  • Prediction: Rogersville rolls.
• Fair Grove (9-0) (#2 class 2) at Pleasant Hope (0-9) – Thursday
  • The Pirates have given a gallant effort.  But how many carries do you think it will take Caleb Schaffitzel to get the record?  1, 2, or 3?  Coach O’Neal, please turn him loose the entire first half.
  • Prediction: A small commemorative ceremony and a win for the Eagles.
• McDonald County (1-8) at Neosho (6-3) – Thursday
  • Alex Wise and the Wildcats are once again ready to make some noise in the playoffs.  And they are capable.
  • Prediction: Neosho easily.
• Cabool (1-8) at Thayer (7-1) (#4 class 1) – Thursday
  • Cabool would love to bookend their season with wins, but against Thayer it’s not likely.
  • Prediction: Thayer and at least three 100 yard rushers.
• Cassville (8-1) (#3 class 3) at East Newton (1-8) – Thursday
  • The Wildcats still have a conference title to wrap up.  Don’t expect any letdown here.
  • Prediction: Cassville.  Big 8 champs.
• Cuba (3-6) at Houston (1-8) – Thursday
  • The Tigers look to grab a second win against Fidel and the boys.
  • Prediction: Down with the Communist swine!  Houston is victorious!
• Cole Camp (2-6) at Skyline (5-4) – Friday
  • Wounded Tigers look to salvage a winning season against the Blue Birds.  They’d definitely win the mascot fight.
  • Prediction: Skyline gets a W to end the season.
• Rockhurst (7-2) at Joplin (4-5) – Friday
  • Just look away.  It will be too painful.
  • Prediction: Rockhurst.  Oh the humanity!
• St. James (1-8) at Salem (6-3) – Friday
  • After a great win last week, Salem looks to fine tune for the playoffs against the other Tigers in their district.
  • Prediction: No problem for Salem.
• Catholic (6-3) at Reeds Spring (1-8) – Friday
  • Catholic wants to stay healthy and sharp for Wednesday.  Reeds Spring will not just give up though.
  • Prediction: Catholic enters the playoffs on a roll.
• Central (2-7) at Lee’s Summit West (6-3) – Friday
  • The last thing the Bulldogs want to do is travel to face a wounded & angry LSW team.
  • Prediction: Central end the season as the most entertaining 2-8 squad in memory.