Week 9 review

Some teams rise up when the stakes are high.  Others fall flatter than a Kansas wheat field.  Seeing a team make the transition from one who falls to one who stands strong can be exhilarating.  Watching a team go the other way can be painful beyond all measure.   Friday’s action showed off some of both.  And for many of you, you don’t have to search your memory very much to find those teams who have changed lately.

A couple examples of teams that have changed for the better?  Cassville.  0-10 a few short years ago and a team that won only 1 district title from ‘05 to ‘07 despite losing only three games during that stretch.  Now, the defending state champs have consecutive wins over excellent teams to win their district title.  How about Lebanon?  After breaking a 14 year losing streak to Camdenton last year, they put a huge crimp in the Lakers playoff fortunes by starting their own winning streak in the series.  I won’t point out teams that have changed for the worse.  I’m sure you can come up with those on your own.

Remember to slow down and savor your next to last helping of…

The Good

• Fair Grove (8-0) (#2 class 2) at Strafford (5-3)
  • Prediction: With speed, good tackling, and senior leadership, I think the Eagles will take it.
  • Result: Fair Grove 38, Strafford 30.  Down 24-0, Caleb Schaffitzel went off with 5 TD runs and the Eagle D clamped down allowing only 1 more score to the Indians the rest of the game.
• Cassville (7-1) (#2 class 3) at Seneca (6-2)
  • 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.
  • Result: Cassville 24, Seneca 13.  Seneca took a 7-0 lead, but the Wildcats answered immediately after a big kickoff return.  The Cassville defense stiffened, and three different Wildcats got TDs to secure the win.
• Ava (7-1) (#10 class 3) at Rogersville (7-1) (#3 class 3)
  • Prediction: I think the Wildcats speed on defense holds Ava down, and Colton Dill throws enough different looks at them to get the win.
  • Result: Rogersville 35, Ava 6.  Four different Wildcats scored with two TDs coming from Dylan Cole as Rogersville held Ava scoreless until the fourth quarter.
• Greenfield (7-1) (#8 class 1) at Osceola (6-2)
  • Prediction: Just not enough to get it done for the Indians.  Greenfield wins.
  • Result: Greenfield 54, Osceola 0. Yikes!  6 different Wildcats score, the Greenfield D returns 2 interceptions for touchdowns, and the Indians were never in the game.
• Pierce City (5-3) at Lamar (2-6)
  • Prediction: I’ll reservedly take Lamar.
  • Result: Lamar 35, Pierce City 0.  When I said reservedly, I meant “I know they’ll win this easily”.  If playing in the Big 8 makes this big of a difference, no wonder Lamar stays with it.
• Aurora (2-6) at Catholic (5-3)
  • Prediction: Should be a good game but I think Catholic pulls it out.
  • Result: Catholic 28, Aurora 14.  Trailing 14-6 in the second period, Andrew Hennessey tossed 2 TD passes to Mitchell Richardson to take the lead for good going into halftime.
• Lockwood (4-4) at Sarcoxie (4-4)
  • Prediction: Lockwood finds another wrinkle in their game & wins.
  • Result: Lockwood 39, Sarcoxie 12.  Lockwood rolled up over 500 yards of offense including 359 passing yards.
• Carl Junction (5-3) at Carthage (6-2)
  • Prediction: Carthage gets back in the win column.
  • Result: Carthage 40, Carl Junction 3.  3 touchdowns and 211 yards for Brian Poston as he outgained the entire Carl Junction offense.
• Webb City (8-0) (#1 class 4) at Nevada (3-5)
  • Prediction: Webb City has more points on the field and more fans in the stands.
  • Result: Webb City 48, Nevada 15.  Over early as the Cards lead 35-0 at the end of the first, 41-0 at half.
• Belton (2-6) at Central (2-6)
  • Prediction: I see some points on both sides, but not enough for the Bulldogs.  Belton wins.
  • Result: Belton 41, Central 6.  Belton runs out to a 41-0 lead and eliminates Central from the playoffs.
• Waynesville (2-6) at Rolla (8-0) (#5 class 5)
  • Prediction: Rolla with the ground & pound.
  • Result: Rolla 14, Waynesville 0.  Jonny Canhos runs for 175 yards and 2 TDs through the absolute slop to keep Rolla undefeated.
• Thayer (6-1) (#4 class 1) at Marionville (4-4)
  • Prediction: Thayer easily.
  • Result: Thayer 41, Marionville 18.  A standard display from the Bobcats.  Huckabee, Carey, & Leisenring all getting big yards and an easy win.
• Stockton (2-6) at Diamond (1-7)
  • Prediction: I think Stockton takes it.
  • Result: Stockton 35, Diamond 18.  The Wildcats ended the first quarter up 12-0.  But by halftime the Tigers were up 28-12 and Stockton grabs their third win of the season.
• East Newton (1-7) at Monett (7-1) (#5 class 3)
  • Prediction: Monett gets the margin they need.
  • Result: Monett 37, East Newton 0.  The Patriots actually outgained Monett in the first half, but turnovers gave Monett the 16-0 lead.  Christian Privett carried for 199 yards and 3 TDs.
• Skyline (5-3) at Warsaw (8-0) (#4 class 2)
  • Prediction: Warsaw rolls.
  • Result: Warsaw 48, Skyline 0.  Injury-depleted Tigers no match for a Warsaw team that is rolling.
• El Dorado Springs (5-3) at Cole Camp (2-6)
  • Prediction: El Dorado Springs clinches a playoff berth.
  • Result: El Dorado Springs 47, Cole Camp 7.  They did indeed clinch a spot.  Now have their chance to win the district.
• Rich Hill (0-8) at Liberal (4-4)
  • Prediction: OK, even if you do look ahead, you’ll still win.
  • Result: Liberal 54, Rich Hill 0.  Winless Rich Hill no match for physical Liberal squad still in pursuit of a playoff berth.
• Glendale (1-7) at East KC (1-6)
  • Prediction: Glendale gets the W.
  • Result: Glendale 41, East KC 6.  Caleb Bolda goes for 175 yards rushing and 3 TDs for the Falcons.
• Pleasant Hope (0-8) at Ash Grove (2-6)
  • Prediction: Ash Grove takes it at home.
  • Result: Ash Grove 46, Pleasant Hope 5.  Four different Pirates score TDs as Ash Grove rushes for 339 yards.
• Jasper (6-2) at McAuley (0-8)
  • Prediction: Jasper draws to the cusp of the playoffs.
  • Result: Jasper 55, McAuley 0.  Jeff Pipenbrink goes over 1,000 yards receiving, Austin Spencer ran for 235 yards, and Garrett Greenlee had 3 TDs as Jasper rolls.
• Nixa (5-3) at Parkview (2-6)
  • Prediction: Nixa gets the win and eliminates the Vikings.
  • Result: Nixa 56, Parkview 25.  Darin Francis had 265 yards and 4 TDs, but it wasn’t enough to offset 3 Jordan Keeney TD and 5 other Eagles scoring.
• Neosho (5-3) at Republic (3-5)
  • Prediction: Neosho clinches the district.
  • Result: Neosho 44, Republic 21.  The Wildcats run up over 450 yards of offense to open up a comfortable margin after Republic pulled within 31-21 in the third period.
• Houston (1-7) at Mt. View-Liberty (6-2)
  • Prediction: The Eagles give the home fans a W.
  • Result: Mt. View-Liberty 42, Houston 6.  Four different Eagles score as two important players get back on the field for the first time in weeks.  Look out for the Eagles.
• Mt. Vernon (3-5) at Reeds Spring (1-7)
  • Prediction: This is one they’re supposed to win.  Mt. Vernon gets it.
  • Result: Mt. Vernon 29, Reeds Spring 19.  Down 19-14 in the third period, the Mountaineers got 2 TD rushes from Sam Cowherd to get the comeback win.
• Mountain Grove (6-2) (#9 class 3) at Buffalo (2-6)
  • Prediction: It won’t here either.  Panthers win.
  • Result: Mountain Grove 56, Buffalo 0.  Evan Williams, 3 TDs.  Chris Mathews, 2 TDs, and a 56-0 halftime lead.
• Cuba (3-5) at Willow Springs (3-5)
  • Prediction: Bears win.
  • Result: Willow Springs 44, Cuba 16.  The Bears Clint Harper catches TD passes of 15, 16, 65, and 79 yards to help the Bears clinch a playoff berth.
• Miller (6-2) at Cabool (1-7)
  • Prediction: Easy win for the Cardinals.
  • Result: Miller 7, Cabool 0.  Nothing easy about this as the two teams slugged it out in the mud.  Daniel Parscal’s 82 yard TD run is the only score in a mud pit.
• McDonald County (1-7) vs Branson (4-4)
  • Prediction: The Pirates get back on the winning side.
  • Result: Branson 49, McDonald County 7.  The Mustangs scored on their first drive to tie the game 7-7, but it was all Branson from there.  3 TD passed from Cameron Chancey.

The Bad

• Salem (5-3) at Sullivan (6-2)
  • Prediction: Sullivan has got some injured started back the last couple of weeks and it showed.  Sullivan wins.
  • Result: Salem 29, Sullivan 26.  Ty Floyd goes for 203 yards and 2 TDs, Andy Kissir 157 and 2 TDs as the Tigers score with 3:27 left to win their district.
• Kickapoo (4-4) at Ozark (5-3)
  • Prediction: 7 OTs, a 3-0 score, and Ozark wins.
  • Result: Kickapoo 17, Ozark 13.  Very back and forth for such a low scoring game.  Sam Carter scores the go ahead touchdown and then seals the game with an interception.
• Farmington (5-3) at West Plains (1-7)
  • Prediction: The playoff streak comes to an end for West Plains.  Farmington wins.
  • Result: West Plains 21, Farmington 14.  It’s still alive.  They took the lead and held it the entire games.  A win over Poplar Bluff this week extends it.
• Camdenton (6-2) at Lebanon (4-4)
  • Prediction: Dines is playing, I’m taking the Lakers.
  • Result: Lebanon 28, Camdenton 27.  Yellowjacket fans, you have yourself a legitimate rivalry now.  3 TD runs from Shane Hardman are offset by 3 Cole Matlock TD passes.

The Ugly

• Hillcrest (5-3) at Bolivar (7-1) (#6 class 4)
  • 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.
  • Result: Bolivar 55, Hillcrest 14.  The lesson here boys & girls is that when you’re caught in the inescapable grasp of logic, don’t try to leave your senses behind.
• Marshfield (4-4) at Willard (0-8)
  • Prediction: I don’t think Marshfield gives up the first win two years in a row.  Marshfield takes it.
  • Result: Willard 21, Marshfield 6.  The Tigers keep their playoff hopes alive by scoring 14 3rd quarter points and shutting down the Jays from the first period on.
• Joplin (4-4) at Lees Summit (2-6)
  • Prediction: I may get burned, but I’m going with them on this one.  Joplin.
  • Result: Lee’s Summit 31, Joplin 16.  5 Joplin turnovers lead to 17 points and a 24-2 Lee’s Summit lead before the offense kicked in.

Record for the Week: 28-7, .800.  It helps to have a large number of games.

Year to Date: 226-64, .779.  Over half my misses are from the first three weeks.  Yet I live with no regrets.

Player of the Week

• Caleb Schaffitzel, RB, Fair Grove – 23 carries, 303 yards, 5 TDs
  • In Fair Grove’s biggest game of the year, Schaffitzel gave his best performance of the year scoring all of the Eagles points.  Down 24-0 early in the second quarter, he went off.  Each of his 5 TD runs was longer than the last.  First 7 yards, then 10, then 24, a 32 yarder to grab the lead, 2 point conversions on each of the first 4 TDs, and then the back breaking 81 yard gallop to slam the door on Strafford.