Scoreboard Guy: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

The really stressful thing about doing this is that the more interesting & fun the results are, the worse the picks are. Persisting in this enterprise then in the face of such a maddeningly inversely proportionate relationship would seem a rather pointless thing to do to most folks. Yet onward I go. All for the love of the game. And not like the love of the game in the movie For Love of the Game where Kevin Costner's love of the game included a multi million dollar contract and a smoking hot Kelly Preston waiting for him. I don't have a contract and if I did it would be a multi ten dollar contract. But I do have Mrs. Joboo who is also smoking hot and has the added benefit of never being crazy enough to marry John Travolta but just crazy enough to marry me. But I digress.

Suffice it to say that it was an interesting week as you can see for yourself in our 'ramblin' like the wreck from Georgia Tech' edition of...

The Good

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

Prediction: In the wild wild COC Large, anything can happen. But this one stays true to form and Nixa wins.
Result: Nixa 31, Neosho 28. Wild describes this game perfectly. 2 ties and a successful hook & ladder play in the first half as Neosho grabbed a 21-14 lead. 3 lead changes in the final 6 minutes as Nixa took their first lead on an Andrew Rivera to Tru Atkins TD pass, only to see Neosho score just 3 minutes later to go up 28-24. But Nixa wasn’t done as they drove down the field for Rivera to punch in the game winner with 34 seconds left.

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

Prediction: The Vikings need more offense, but their defense gets it done here.
Result: Cass-Midway 47, Drexel 36. The Vikings found more offense and needed every bit of it as Drexel would not go away. 5 lead changes in the first half until a 47 yard fumble return from Midway’s Nick Harper gave the Vikings the lead for good. Ty Woltcamp had 236 yards rushing and 2 TDs for Drexel.

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

Prediction: I think the Wildcats are for real. Mark them 5-0.
Result: Greenfield 54, Marmaton Valley 0. Not only a big win for the Wildcats, it propels them to their very first 8-man state ranking as they enter this week’s poll at #7.

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

Prediction: Not sure we get the answer to the second question, but Liberty wins.
Result: Mt. View-Liberty 55, Willow Springs 6. The Eagles put last week’s 2^nd half behind them scoring 21 2^nd quarter points to take a 33-6 halftime lead, and added 20 points in the 3^rd for the final margin. Josh Pruett with another do everything game. 318 yards and 3 TDs passing, 134 yards 2 TDs rushing, 8 tackles, and 1 sack. Brenton Bush with another 100 yard receiving game catching 6 balls for 118 yards and a score.

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

Prediction: SCA has beefed up their schedule and I think it shows here. Summit gets the win.
Result: Summit Christian 47, Skyline 0. It’s been feast or famine for Skyline and everyone was hungry after this one.

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

Prediction: I don't think so. The Lakers get back in the win column.
Result: Camdenton 48, Parkview 8. All Lakers as they opened up a 41-0 lead before the Vikings would score. Meanwhile the Laker defense yielded only 174 yards of offense on the night. Jay Griffin scored twice while rushing for 134 yards.

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

Prediction: I think they are and Webb City wins.
Result: Webb City 28, Pittsburg, KS 7. A very typical performance from the Cardinals as a balanced attack led to a 13-0 halftime lead, the Cardinals scored in each period, and they didn’t yield a score until they were up 28-0 in the final quarter.

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

Prediction: The Yellowjackets find a way to get back to winning.
Result: Lebanon 42, Hillcrest 6. Cole Breeden and Jack Ehrhardt hooked up 3 times on TD passes as Lebanon cruised to a 29-0 halftime lead. Breeden added a score rushing to his 3 TDs passing.

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

Prediction: I think with a little less pressure on them now, the Liberators play even better and win.
Result: Bolivar 35, Springfield Catholic 7. It took a while as Bolivar led only 7-0 at the half, but behind Lane Loomer’s 275 yards and 2 TDs on the ground, and 3 receiving TDs for Brandon Emmert, they took control in the 2^nd half.

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

Prediction: Still think the Blue Tigers come out on top.
Result: Carthage 41, Willard 30. Carthage seemed to have a secure lead up 35-14 with 6 minutes to play, but 2 Nate Swadley touchdowns sandwiched around a Trey Collins fumble pulled Willard within 35-30 with 3:45 remaining. But Collins would atone for his fumble going in from 46 yards out for his 4^th TD of the night to seal the deal.

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

Prediction: Rogersville's tougher competition pays off with a win.
Result: Rogersville 18, Marshfield 13. Rogersville did all their scoring in the first half leading 18-7 at the break. The Wildcats preserved that lead with a goal line stand holding Marshfield after they had 1^st and goal from the 4. The Jays would then threaten to win the game getting 1^st and goal from the 3 late in the 4^th, but Rogersville would force a fumble on the next play to preserve the win.

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

Prediction: Ava wins.
Result: Ava 38, Salem 0. Ava held an 18-0 lead early in the second half in what was still a tightly contested game. But the Bears Quincy McDonald had back-to-back pick 6s as the Tigers turned the ball over 4 times in the third period to break it open for a 31-0 lead leaving no doubt. Kelly McDonald rushed for 3 TDs and 122 yards.

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

Prediction: The Indians bounce back and win.
Result: Strafford 39, Pleasant Hope 0. The Indians ran back the opening kickoff. Then recovered a fumble and scored again to go up 14-0 with less than 4 minutes gone. All Indians all the way.

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

Prediction: Win #1 for Rich Hill.
Result: Rich Hill 32, Osceola 15. The Indians led 15-12 at the half, but Rich Hill held them scoreless in the 2^nd half to get their first win.

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

Prediction: Joplin gets the home win.
Result: Joplin 48, West Plains 34. Joplin took a 13-0 lead and would then trade scores with the Zizzers the rest of the night. Jokiem Crawford’s 5^th rushing TD of the night would salt it away with just over 3 minutes left. He rushed for 158 yards while Keegan Hoopes had 186 yards and 4 TDs for West Plains.

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

Prediction: Thayer may not be as sharp, but they still win.
Result: Thayer 32, Houston 6. The Bobcat defense was certainly sharp. They led 16-0 at the half, and 30-0 before Houston found the end zone in the 4^th. Then Thayer responded with a safety.

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

Prediction: 3-2 for Mt. Vernon.
Result: Mt. Vernon 53, McDonald County 8. It was close for a quarter as the Mountaineers led 14-8 after the first, but 1 quarter and 32 points later is was over with Mt. Vernon up 46-8 at the half. 6 TDs and 335 yards passing for Garrett Hadlock. Andrew Montemayor finished with 121 yards and 2 TDs.

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

Prediction: Pierce City.
Result: Pierce City 55, Miller 7. The game opened with Pierce City running back Mitchell Copening going 80 yards for a score on the first offensive play of the game. On the ensuing kickoff, Miller’s Cory Parnell took it to the house. That was followed by a 60 yard Gage Brown to Jordan Cruz score for the Eagles. But the scoring ended for Miller and kept on going for Pierce City as they would lead 26-7 at the end of the first quarter. Copening finished with 174 yards rushing and Pierce City had 427 as a team.

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

Prediction: Nevada looks good, but falls to 1-4.
Result: Sedalia Smith-Cotton 31, Nevada 13. Smith-Cotton exploded for 21 first quarter points and Nevada could never recover.

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

Prediction: Monett.
Result: Monett 28, Aurora 7. Aurora led 7-6 at the end of the first quarter. But Michael Branch would add 2 TD runs to his first quarter score, and the Cub defense would register 5 second half sacks for the win. Branch would finish with 182 yards.

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

Prediction: Appleton City goes over .500.
Result: Appleton City 29, Windsor 14. Appleton City got out to an early lead only to see Windsor rally to tie it at 14 at halftime. But behind the play of our Player of the Week Coleton Smith, they would shut down Windsor in the second half. Meanwhile Tyler Foley rushed for 123 yards and 2 TDs and Billy Prater added 103 and a TD to give the Bulldogs the victory.

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

Prediction: Make it 4 in a row for Cassville.
Result: Cassville 21, St. James 12. St. James scored first and last. In between, River Phelps rushed for 205 yards and a score, and Shannon Haney ran for a TD and tossed a scoring pass. The Wildcat defense took it from there.

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

Prediction: Wolves win.
Result: Reeds Spring 48, Springfield Central 18. 5 touchdowns in 8 minutes in the second quarter would be exciting except 4 of them belonged to Reeds Spring making the halftime score 41-6 in favor of the Wolves.

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

Prediction: El Dorado Springs gets a W.
Result: El Dorado Springs 76, Slater 0. The Bulldogs get their first win with the 3^rd highest point total in 11-man football this week. They trailed only Portageville’s 89 and Maryville’s 92.

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

Prediction: Lincoln stays undefeated.
Result: Lincoln 46, Marionville 8. The Comets held Lincoln to just a single score in the first quarter, but Boone Kroenke & Co. got it going from there & led 26-0 at the half. 3 TDs on the ground and 1 through the air for Kroenke.

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

Prediction: Fair Grove may start sluggish, but they'll win.
Result: Fair Grove 39, Stockton 7. They were a little sluggish as they only scored 14 points in the 1^st quarter as opposed to 25 in the second. But the defense kept Stockton at bay until the 4^th. Huge night for Austin Foge who had 251 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 13 carries.

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

Prediction: Chargers clean things up & win.
Result: Lighthouse Christian 24, Jasper 6. Closer than it looked as the Chargers held an 8-0 lead going into the 4^th on an 11 yard Bryant Taylor TD run. But Chargers would 6 twice in the 4^th to make things more comfortable.

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

Prediction: The Pirates will get a win this year, just not this week. CJ.
Result: Carl Junction 19, Branson 3. 3-3 at halftime as the Pirates hung around & frustrated the Bulldog offense. But Rayquion Weston found the end zone twice after the break, and the Bulldog defense came up with a safety to deny Branson the win.

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

Prediction: Sarcoxie gets win #4 on the year.
Result: Sarcoxie 52, Southeast 0. Sarcoxie put up 35 first quarter points to put this one away early.

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

Prediction: Low scoring affair but Warsaw falls to 0-5.
Result: Versailles 35, Warsaw 14. Versailles struck first, but Keegan Glenn went in from 6 yards out to tie it 7-7 at the end of the first quarter. Versailles would score the next 28 points in the game to keep Warsaw winless.

Mountain Grove (4-0) at Cabool (0-4)

Prediction: I'm going with 6 and yes. So Grove wins.
Result: Mountain Grove 53, Cabool 14. Only 4 Panthers scored and they didn’t get the shutout, but they do go to 5-0. Chance Barbe, Trystan Short, and Carter Otwell each found paydirt twice in the first half as they jumped out to a 41-6 halftime lead. Barbe had 3 TDs for the game.

The Bad

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

Prediction: Butler's only loss at home the last 2 years has been to Lamar. I'll take Butler.
Result: Ash Grove 21, Butler 13. Butler came in averaging 46 points per game and Ash Grove 27. No matter for the Pirates defense that seems capable of shutting down any team. They led 14-7 at the half and held off Butler behind Chase White’s 135 yards rushing.

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

Prediction: I think Seneca regroups enough to get the win, but it's close.
Result: East Newton 14, Seneca 0. My upset alert came true. The Patriots convert a first quarter Seneca fumble into a TD. Then return a Seneca fumble for a score in the 4th. The defense does the rest as they get their first Big 8 win since 2009.

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

Prediction: I'll say it now. This is the beginning of a 4 game winning streak for the Whirlwinds.
Result: Adrian 8, Archie 7, OT. There cannot be another team with worse luck in the state. The Whirlwinds now have 2 1-point losses, no loss has been by more than a single score, and their 5 losses have come by a total of 20 points. Adrian stays in the hunt for the WEMO title, but need Rich Hill to beat Midway in 2 weeks.

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

Prediction: I think Buffalo continues to rise.
Result: Hollister 34, Buffalo 20. Hollister overcame an early 13-0 lead for Buffalo to make it 20 all at the half. Then they held Buffalo scoreless in the second half to get to 3 wins for the first time since 2010. Jackson Bekemeier with a rushing TD and 2 passing TDs.

Ozark (3-1) at Republic (1-3)

Prediction: Ozark gets the win.
Result: Republic 32, Ozark 29. Republic scored early in the 2nd quarter to go up 25-7, but Ozark would pull within 25-22 with 8:45 to go. 5 minutes later, Riley Watkins would go in from 9 yards out to make it 32-22. Ozark would respond with a minute left but could not recover the onside kick. Watkins finished with 3 TD passes and 2 scores on the ground.

The Ugly

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

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.
Result: Glendale 40, Kickapoo 20. The Falcon defense forced 5 turnovers including 3 interceptions of Lawson, Alex Huston evaded Chief tacklers to avoid sacks, and the Falcon offense was its normal efficient self. Anyone who had any remaining doubt about Glendale should be convinced now.

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

Prediction: This should be a dandy, but I'll take the Tigers at home.
Result: Diamond 47, Lockwood 22. Complete & utter domination from Diamond who had a 40-0 lead before Lockwood could score. Carter Prewitt with 3 TD runs for Diamond.

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

Prediction: I think the Tigers want this one more & get it.
Result: Rolla 42, Waynesville 16. Nope. Total whiff here. Waynesville got the game’s first score blocking a punt for a safety. But Rolla would score 21 straight points. Waynesville would answer to make it 21-9 at the half, but Rolla would score 21 more straight in the 2^nd half to claim their first win. Xavier Douglas with 2 rushing TDs, Josh Pritchett with 2 TD passes for Rolla.

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

Prediction: Liberal wins on the road.
Result: Tipton 32, Liberal 12. It looked like Liberal was going to win the first ever meeting between these two as they led 12-8 at the half. But they wouldn’t score again while the Cardinals found their offensive groove.

Player of the Week: Coleton Smith, MLB Appleton City. 20 tackles, 12 solo tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 forced fumbles. Smith was a monster for the Bulldogs as they shutout Windsor in the second half to raise their record to 3-2. His biggest contribution was forcing 4 fumbles contributing to the Bulldogs 3 fumble recoveries.

Record for the Week: 31-9, .775. Not terrible still, but 4 ugly games leave a bad taste. And week 6 is traditionally the worst week for picks following weeks 1 & 2.

Overall record: 156-35, .817. Random fact for the week. 817 is the area code for Ft. Worth Texas.