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

Game of the Week

• Fair Grove (8-0) (#2 class 2) at Strafford (5-3)

  • A month ago Strafford was sitting with a 2-3 record, their only wins being over Marionville & Stockton, and had given up over 100 points in their first two games.  But signs were present that things were turning around.  They pitched a shutout in their third game, allowed only 7 points in their third, and played Mt. View-Liberty within one point at Mt. View.  Since then, the Indians have rolled to three straight wins behind the rushing of Chandler Eden and the passing of Dylan Barnum.  Fair Grove hasn’t missed a beat since last year with Caleb Schaffitzel continuing his torrid pace.  But as good as they are on offense, the Eagles are even better on defense.  Schaffitzel, Alec Hackett, Sam Padgett, and the rest of the D are yielding a brutal 6.25 ppg.  Whoever imposes their will defensively wins this game.
  • Prediction: With speed, good tackling, and senior leadership, I think the Eagles will take it.

Other Top Games

• Cassville (7-1) (#2 class 3) at Seneca (6-2)
  • The real wild card in this matchup is the status of Allen Frost.  He didn’t play last week and only sparingly the week before.  If he’s able to go & healthy, the Indians have a one-two punch that can stay fresh all game.  If not, we may see a repeat of last week out of the Cats.
  • Prediction: It gets boring but it works.  The Cassville defense has a strong outing, the offense does enough to get the win, and Cassville books their ticket to the playoffs.
• Ava (7-1) (#10 class 3) at Rogersville (7-1) (#3 class 3)
  • Ava has worked their way up into the rankings with their scoring getting most of the attention.  But in their two biggest wins, it was their defense that did the job.  You have to have some size & depth to get at Rogersville.
  • Prediction: I think the Wildcats speed on defense holds Ava down, and Colton Dill throws enough different looks at them to get the win.
• Greenfield (7-1) (#8 class 1) at Osceola (6-2)
  • Greenfield looked better last week but still not up to their early season form.  A win tonight clinches the district though.  Osceola has a third chance for a big win this year and they are a better team at home.
  • Prediction: Just not enough to get it done for the Indians.  Greenfield wins.
• Hillcrest (5-3) at Bolivar (7-1) (#6 class 4)
  • We all know the score here.  Two high powered offenses, the passing game of Hillcrest vs. the interceptions of Bolivar, Peavey, Moffett, Green, Jenkins,Talley.  These kind of games usually come down to role players.
  • Prediction: I may regret this, but I can’t get away from thinking Hillcrest is going to win this game.  Logically it doesn’t make sense.  Bolivar has been good against the pass and Hillcrest hasn’t been able to stop a well balanced offense yet.  But I’m taking the Hornets in a shootout.
• Salem (5-3) at Sullivan (6-2)
  • Both teams like to mix it up on the ground first & foremost.  Derek Freeman & Andy Kissir are just a couple of the Tiger backs who can roll out of the bone.  But, 5 starters are down with the flu & the team only practiced 29 kids the other day.  Not good.
  • Prediction: Sullivan has got some injured started back the last couple of weeks and it showed.  Sullivan wins.

Games to keep an eye on

• Pierce City (5-3) at Lamar (2-6)
  • Stop me if you’ve heard this before.  Lamar is better in district for having played a Big 8 schedule.  But Pierce City is really playing well right now.
  • Prediction: I’ll reservedly take Lamar.
• Kickapoo (4-4) at Ozark (5-3)
  • Kickapoo averages less than 20 ppg, but gives up less than 13.  Ozark hasn’t scored more than 22 in their 4 game win streak.  Take the under.
  • Prediction: 7 OTs, a 3-0 score, and Ozark wins.
• Aurora (2-6) at Catholic (5-3)
  • The Dawgs have had their two best offensive games of the year the last two weeks.  But can they do that against Catholic?
  • Prediction: Should be a good game but I think Catholic pulls it out.
• Lockwood (4-4) at Sarcoxie (4-4)
  • The Bears are looking for their first playoff appearance since 2002.  They’ll have to beat a Lockwood team that is playing well the last two weeks to  get there.
  • Prediction: Lockwood finds another wrinkle in their game & wins.
• Camdenton (6-2) at Lebanon (4-4)
  • Last year the Yellowjackets beat Camdenton for the first time in over 20 years.  Camdenton needs this for districts, but also wants it for revenge.
  • Prediction: Dines is playing, I’m taking the Lakers.
• Carl Junction (5-3) at Carthage (6-2)
  • I saw Carthage’s field last weekend and it was not good.  A little bit of rain is going to make a mess and that’s bad news for the Bulldogs.
  • Prediction: Carthage gets back in the win column.

Rest of the Schedule

• Webb City (8-0) (#1 class 4) at Nevada (3-5)
  • Only danger here for Webb it looking ahead to the playoffs and having to work in the second half.
  • Prediction: Webb City has more points on the field and more fans in the stands.
• Belton (2-6) at Central (2-6)
  • Despite having only 2 wins, Belton does have some defensive ability.  Can Central put up enough to win?
  • Prediction: I see some points on both sides, but not enough for the Bulldogs.  Belton wins.
• Waynesville (2-6) at Rolla (8-0) (#5 class 5)
  • Last weeks 2 point loss may be the best defensive game of the year for the Tigers.  But Rolla brings a whole other level of offense.
  • Prediction: Rolla with the ground & pound.
• Thayer (6-1) (#4 class 1) at Marionville (4-4)
  • Thayer has to avoid a letdown after a fantastic game against Miller.  Marionville needs that letdown & the game of their year.
  • Prediction: Thayer easily.
• Stockton (2-6) at Diamond (1-7)
  • Winner stays alive in  playoff hunt.  Loser will be playing out the string.
  • Prediction: I think Stockton takes it.
• East Newton (1-7) at Monett (7-1) (#5 class 3)
  • Monett needs a big win.  They can root for Cassville but they also need to get back on track.
  • Prediction: Monett gets the margin they need.
• Skyline (5-3) at Warsaw (8-0) (#4 class 2)
  • Things go from bad to worse for Skyline as they get one of the best offenses in the state.
  • Prediction: Warsaw rolls.
• El Dorado Springs (5-3) at Cole Camp (2-6)
  • 3-1 over their last four including a good showing against Fair Grove, the Bulldogs are looking to set up a showdown with Warsaw.
  • Prediction: El Dorado Springs clinches a playoff berth.
• Farmington (5-3) at West Plains (1-7)
  • Farmington let one get away last week losing after being up 12 in the fourth.  Not good news for the Zizzers.
  • Prediction: The playoff streak comes to an end for West Plains.  Farmington wins.
• Rich Hill (0-8) at Liberal (4-4)
  • Don’t look ahead Liberal.  Just don’t do it.  Stay focused.  Don’t think about Osceola.
  • Prediction: OK, even if you do look ahead, you’ll still win.
• Glendale (1-7) at East KC (1-6)
  • Don’t let the records fool you.  East has only scored 35 points this year against MSHSAA competition.  And gave up 44 to a Kickapoo squad that was averaging 16 ppg.
  • Prediction: Glendale gets the W.
• Pleasant Hope (0-8) at Ash Grove (2-6)
  • Can the Pleasant Hope get off the donut?  Ash Grove just wants to keep their playoff hopes alive another week.
  • Prediction: Ash Grove takes it at home.
• Jasper (6-2) at McAuley (0-8)
  • Jeff Pipenbrink continues to lift his profile.  3 TD catches, over 200 yards receiving, and the last minute 97 yard dash for the win last week.
  • Prediction: Jasper draws to the cusp of the playoffs.
• Nixa (5-3) at Parkview (2-6)
  • Disappointing loss for the Eagles last week should be fuel this week.  Both teams are still alive, but Nixa controls their own destiny.
  • Prediction: Nixa gets the win and eliminates the Vikings.
• Neosho (5-3) at Republic (3-5)
  • Winners of 2 of their last 3, the Tigers have their hands full with a underrated Neosho squad.
  • Prediction: Neosho clinches the district.
• Houston (1-7) at Mt. View-Liberty (6-2)
  • A long season for the Tigers starts to draw to a close with a trip to the Eagles Nest.  Liberty is looking to keep their conference title hopes alive.
  • Prediction: The Eagles give the home fans a W.
• Mt. Vernon (3-5) at Reeds Spring (1-7)
  • Reeds Spring has seen a promising start fade into memory.  Mt. Vernon wins the ones they’re supposed to, but can’t get a big win.
  • Prediction: This is one they’re supposed to win.  Mt. Vernon gets it.
• Mountain Grove (6-2) (#9 class 3) at Buffalo (2-6)
  • Pity any team playing Mountain Grove after a loss.  It usually doesn’t turn out well for them.
  • Prediction: It won’t here either.  Panthers win.
• Cuba (3-5) at Willow Springs (3-5)
  • Bears want to have shot at district title next week against Mt. View-Liberty.  They could also clinch a spot tonight.
  • Prediction: Bears win.
• Marshfield (4-4) at Willard (0-8)
  • The Jays have to feel good about their season with a win over Ava and losses to quality teams only.  But they’d sure like to finish at least .500.
  • Prediction: I don’t think Marshfield gives up the first win two years in a row.  Marshfield takes it.
• Joplin (4-4) at Lees Summit (2-6)
  • Still scoring points, but the wins have disappeared for Joplin.  This is their best chance for a district W.
  • Prediction: I may get burned, but I’m going with them on this one.  Joplin.
• Miller (6-2) at Cabool (1-7)
  • A tough performance against Thayer is not the definitive word on Justin Jack.  Let’s see how he looks tonight.
  • Prediction: Easy win for the Cardinals.
• McDonald County (1-7) vs Branson (4-4)
  • Coming off of two good games, the Mustangs are looking to continue their good play.  Having finished their death march 0-3, Branson is hungry for a win.
  • Prediction: The Pirates get back on the winning side.

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