Scoreboard Guy: Joboo's Week 5 Picks

There are a lot of very interesting games this week. Not only for conference championship reasons or traditional rivalry interest, although we have those too. But 'are they really improved' games like Buffalo vs Hollister. 'Can they get their first win' games in Rolla vs Waynesville and Osceola vs Rich Hill. 'Where do they fit in the conference' games like Ava vs Salem and Rogersville vs Marshfield. And bounce back games such as Monett at Aurora and Lebanon at Hillcrest.

Not to mention teams looking to capture some momentum for the postseason, teams looking to stay alive in their conference race, and teams trying to not look ahead too far. Lots of storylines to pay attention to.

But our game of the week has both conference title and rivalry implications, and should be a great game.

Game of the Week

Kickapoo (4-0) at Glendale (4-0)

Could there be any other choice for Game of the Week? One of the biggest rivalries in the Ozarks and one of their biggest meetings in years? With the inside track to the OC title on the line? That's the definition of huge.
Both teams can score and play solid defense. We know about the headliners. Maverick McGee has grabbed headlines for Kickapoo with Alex Huston and Luke Montgomery putting up big numbers for Glendale. The key to the game lies with the next guys you have heard of. For Glendale, all their TDs came through the air last week. To put points up against Kickapoo, they need to threaten on the ground. Huston and Von Oeser can certainly fill that bill and I look for them to try to find some room rushing to keep it a present threat in the minds of the Chiefs.
For Kickapoo, I don't think we've seen what they're fully capable of offensively yet. They've been able to win games comfortably and haven't had to show off the full repertoire. This is where Chris Lawson should shine by controlling the Chief offense, making plays he hasn't had to yet, and keeping the ball out of Glendale's hands. The other player to watch should be Travis Vokolek on both offense and defense. He'll be key to containing the Falcon attack and should be a main target for Lawson.
Prediction: This has the feel of a game that's going to live up to the hype and be one we remember for a long time. I'm going with Lawson tossing a TD inside of 90 seconds left for the lead. Then Kickapoo getting a defensive stop for the win.

Big Games

Neosho (3-1) at Nixa (4-0)

Nixa is the lone unbeaten team in the COC Large but starting this week they enter a 5 game stretch against the 4 1-loss teams in the conferenc and Webb City. The chances of a 1 loss champion are high and Neosho wants to be in that discussion. They still have Webb City and Carthage waiting at the end of the season so this is a must win for their title chances.
Prediction: In the wild wild COC Large, anything can happen. But this one stays true to form and Nixa wins.

Ash Grove (4-0) at Butler (4-0)

The biggest test for either team so far. The four teams that Butler has beaten have won a total of 5 games. Ash Grove’s opponents have won 4 games. Both teams play stellar defense with Butler allowing 7 points per game and Ash Grove 6.5. This is my toughest call this week. Can't find anything to separate the 2 teams.
Prediction: Butler's only loss at home the last 2 years has been to Lamar. I'll take Butler.

Drexel (3-1) at Cass-Midway (4-0)

Pretty simple for the Vikings. Win and they secure a share of the WEMO championship with Rich Hill left to go. Drexel can forge a tie atop the standings with a win as they have Rich Hill left also.
Prediction: The Vikings need more offense, but their defense gets it done here.

Marmaton Valley (2-0) at Greenfield (4-0)

Marmaton has outscored their first 2 opponents 100-0 coming off of a 4-5 season. This is the best test for Greenfield so far.
Prediction: I think the Wildcats are for real. Mark them 5-0.

Diamond (3-1) at Lockwood (3-0)

No one wins the SRVC title here, but the winner takes the lead. Diamond had a good bounce back win last week. Lockwood keeps winning whether Kyle Bouldin plays or not.
Prediction: This should be a dandy, but I'll take the Tigers at home.

Other Games to Watch

Mt. View-Liberty (4-0) at Willow Springs (3-1)

After the Bears took their first loss last week to Mountain Grove, how will they stack up against the Eagles? Was Liberty's 2nd half last week a sign of problems?
Prediction: Not sure we get the answer to the second question, but Liberty wins.

Skyline (2-2) at Summit Christian (3-1)

The Tigers are red hot after an 0-2 start. Their losses to Lexington and Fair Grove look good as they are both still undefeated. Summit Christian will be a test.
Predicton: SCA has beefed up their schedule and I think it shows here. Summit gets the win.

Parkview (2-2) at Camdenton (2-2)

These two are headed in different directions right now with the Lakers dropping their last 2 and the Vikings winning theirs. Will that continue?
Prediction: I don't think so. The Lakers get back in the win column.

Webb City (2-2) at Pittsburg, KS (1-1)

The Cardinals looked like the team we've come to expect last week. This game should show if they're really back or not.
Prediction: I think they are and Webb City wins.

Lebanon (3-1) at Hillcrest (2-2)

Tough break for Lebanon as losing John Berry for the Kickapoo game really hurt. On the other end, the Hornets looked good in evening up their record.
Prediction: The Yellowjackets find a way to get back to winning.

Springfield Catholic (2-2) at Bolivar (1-3)

Now that Bolivar has their first win, how will they perform the rest of the season? Can Catholic take the next step up the COC Small ladder?
Prediction: I think with a little less pressure on them now, the Liberators play even better and win.

Rest of the Schedule

Seneca (2-2) at East Newton (0-4)

I'll put this game on upset alert. The Patriots are showing signs of life and are getting back home for the first time since week 1 when they played well against Lighthouse. While Seneca has struggled the last 2 weeks eeking out a win over McDonald County and getting beat by Mt. Vernon.
Prediction: I think Seneca regroups enough to get the win, but it's close.

Carthage (3-1) at Willard (1-3)

Willard's losses have come against tough competition and Webb City was a different team last week than they were when Carthage beat them in week 2.
Prediction: Still think the Blue Tigers come out on top.

Rogersville (2-2) at Marshfield (2-2)

Both teams have already seen some good and bad as their .500 records would lead you to believe.
Prediction: Rogersville's tougher competition pays off with a win.

Ava (2-2) at Salem (3-1)

The Tigers got physically beat up last week. Ava has to feel good despite their loss after a solid 2nd half.
Prediction: Ava wins.

Strafford (1-3) at Pleasant Hope (0-4)

Tough loss for the Indians last week. But they can't let their guard down against the Pirates who are looking to win at home.
Prediction: The Indians bounce back and win.

Rolla (0-4) at Waynesville (0-4)

Somebody gets their first win tonight. Rolla has been closer to a win the last 2 weeks. While Waynesville continues to improve each week.
Prediction: I think the Tigers want this one & get it.

Osceola (0-4) at Rich Hill (0-4)

Another game where someone gets off the shnide. Rich Hill has been so close the last 2 weeks, while the Indians closest game was a 16 point loss.
Prediction: Win #1 for Rich Hill.

West Plains (1-3) at Joplin (2-2)

After a promising start to the year, the Zizzers are finding rough going. While Joplin has already faced down the big 2 and are ready for the home stretch.
Prediction: Joplin gets the home win.

Thayer (2-2) at Houston (1-3)

The Bobcats showed that they are capable of playing some good football last week. While Houston looked like a veteran squad in dropping Cabool.
Prediction: Thayer may not be as sharp, but they still win.

McDonald County (0-4) at Mt. Vernon (2-2)

The Mustangs have been playing tough ball the last 2 weeks. But now have to deal with a Mt. Vernon aerial attack that found a running game last week.
Prediction: 3-2 for Mt. Vernon.

Miller (1-3) at Pierce City (2-1)

The Eagles are well rested and welcome in a Miller team that is struggling.
Prediction: Pierce City.

Adrian (2-2) at Archie (0-4)

Archie is a good team. I swear. They've lost their 4 games by a combined 19 points. And those 4 opponents have lost only 1 game between them so far.
Prediction: I'll say it now. This is the beginning of a 4 game winning streak for the Whirlwinds.

Buffalo (2-2) at Hollister (2-2)

Both teams would like that first COC win to start building momentum in the 2nd half.
Prediction: I think Buffalo continues to rise.

Nevada (1-3) at Sedalia Smith-Cotton (2-2)

Smith-Cotton had a 9-0 regular season last year and their 2 losses this season are each by 1 point. While Nevada is flying high after a nice comeback win.
Prediction: Nevada looks good, but falls to 1-4.

Liberal (1-3) at Tipton (1-3)

The Cardinals aren't the program they used to be with their only win coming by 14 over Windsor.
Prediction: Liberal wins on the road.

Monett (3-1) at Aurora (1-3)

After a temporary reprieve from state ranked opponents, Aurora gets the Cubs who are hungry to get back to their winning ways.
Prediction: Monett.

Appleton City (2-2) at Windsor (1-3)

The Bulldogs probably looked better in losing to Midway last week than they did in winning their 2 games.
Prediction: Appleton City goes over .500.

St. James (2-2) at Cassville (3-1)

River Phelps, Shannon Haney, and the Wildcats look to have recovered from their week 1 loss to Lamar. Can they continue to add to their record?
Prediction: Make it 4 in a row for Cassville.

Reeds Spring (3-1) at Springfield Central (0-4)

With each passing week, the Wolves loss to Cassville looks less troubling. And Korey Robinette continues to impress.
Prediction: Wolves win.

Slater (1-3) at El Dorado Springs (0-4)

After opening with 4 pretty good opponents, the Bulldogs enter a 3 game stretch where the competition has won 1 game between them.
Prediction: El Dorado Springs gets a W.

Lincoln (4-0) at Marionville (1-3)

Boone Kroenke and the Cardinals continue to sail along while the Comets have dropped 3 in a row.
Prediction: Lincoln stays undefeated.

Fair Grove (4-0) at Stockton (2-2)

After a hard fought win against Catholic, the Eagles look to avoid a letdown against Stockton who got a good win over Strafford last week.
Prediction: Fair Grove may start sluggish, but they'll win.

Lighthouse Christian (2-2) at Jasper (1-3)

The Chargers had a mistake prone game in falling to a good Holden team. While Jasper looked great in getting their first win.
Prediction: Chargers clean things up & win.

Branson (0-4) at Carl Junction (3-1)

The Bulldogs looked refocused last week while Branson continues to show some good things.
Prediction: The Pirates will get a win this year, just not this week. CJ.

Southeast (Cherokee, KS) (0-2) at Sarcoxie (3-1)

The Bears didn’t enjoy their last game against an out of state opponent. But Southeast has been outscored 107-7 in their 2 games so far.
Prediction: Sarcoxie gets win #4 on the year.

Warsaw (0-4) at Versailles (2-2)

Despite their offensive struggles, the Wildcats haven't been shutout. Versailles has though and has only mustered 48 points total themselves.
Prediction: Low scoring affair but Warsaw falls to 0-5.