The Good, The Bad, The Ugly - Week 8

Instant Classic.  ESPN and other sports media sources like to use the phrase.  And in doing so, they cheapen it's meaning.  Classic games are ones that will stand out in fans minds forever.  For whatever reason.  Some element that transpired makes it take up permanent residence in your cerebral cortex for all time.  But when every week a dozen or so games are labeled an 'Instant Classic', it cheapens the meaning and lessens the impact. 

But Friday night, we had a certifiable instant classic.  Nixa and Ozark entered their rivalry with great history and conference championship chances on the line going in, the game got better as it went along, high drama kicked in, tension ratcheted up throughout, and the ending was fantastic.  It earned the right to be called a classic.

And we had lots of other great football as well.  Two area running backs went for over 300 yards on the ground.  The biggest offensive show of the night wasn't Glendale, but East Newton vs. McDonald County.  Great defensive performances happened including a few shut outs.  And a conference title was won.  Read all about that and more in this 'Instant Classic'...

The Good

• Nixa (5-2) at Ozark (5-2)
• Prediction: I won't predict when a turnover will happen, but I think with their defense and being at home, Ozark takes it.
• Result: Ozark 28, Nixa 27 (2OT).  The Tiger defense does it in the end they knock down Nixa's 2-point conversion attempt that would have won it for the Eagles.  Ozark had a chance to win it at the end of regulation but missed a 27 yard field goal as time expired.  There, they traded scores in the first OT, then Ozark QB Jack Hulse ran in his second TD of the game to put the Tigers up 28-21.  Nixa responded with a Andrew Rivera to Aiden Farthing TD pass from 14 yards out before the final drama played out.  Ozark remains alive in the COC Large title race needing a Carthage loss next week to grab a share.
• Fair Grove (7-0) Class 2 #7 at Ash Grove (6-1)
• Prediction: Ash Grove's defense is a bad match up for Fair Grove, but I think the Eagles still have enough to get past the Pirates.  
• Result: Fair Grove 29, Ash Grove 0.  It was the Eagle defense taking the day holding Ash Grove to -18 yards rushing in pitching their second shutout of the year.  They had all the points they would need after their first drive as Steven Huskey caught a 25 yard TD pass.  He would add a 74 yard TD reception later in the quarter as he finished with 132 yards receiving.  Dalton Cloyd added 125 yards and 2 TDs rushing for the Eagles who win the outright Mid-Lakes Conference title.
• Lebanon (5-2) at Kickapoo (6-1) Class 6 #8
• Prediction: Not picking against Kickapoo at home. 
• Result: Kickapoo 41, Lebanon 8. With Maverick McGee likely done for the year, Chris Lawson took over rushing for 161 yards and 3 TDs, and passing for 152 and 2 scores.  And the Chief defense yielded just 141 yards of offense.
• Lamar (6-0) Class 2 #1 at Mount Vernon (5-2)
• Prediction: One less day of rest is not a problem for Lamar.  They win.
• Result: Lamar 49, Mt. Vernon 14.  The Mountaineers tied the game at 14 with less than 8 minutes to go in the 2nd quarter, but Lamar then well Lamar on them scoring 21 points in the final 5 minutes of the half to bust the game open.  Cooper Lucas finished with 4 TDs and 159 yards for Lamar.
• Jayhawk-Linn, KS (5-0) at Drexel (5-2)
• Prediction: Unlike KU, this is a good Jayhawk team.  They're too much for Drexel.
• Result: Jayhawk-Linn 24, Drexel 18.  Down 16-12 at the half, Drexel pulled ahead 18-16 and led into the 4th quarter, but they couldn't hold on and fall to 5-3.
• Joplin (4-3) at Camdenton (5-2)
• Prediction: Camdenton has caught fire since losing to Kickapoo. They stay hot.
• Result: Camdenton 34, Joplin 19.  Camdenton worked their way to a 27-7 lead going into the final quarter only to see Joplin get back within 27-19 with just over 4 minutes to go.  But Dyllan Decker would toss his 3rd TD pass of the game late to ice the win.  164 yards rushing and a TD for Spencer Newell of Joplin.
• Neosho (5-2) at Webb City (4-3) Class 4 #8
• Prediction: Cardinals clean up their turnovers and win.
• Result: Webb City 33, Neosho 28. No cleaning up as the Cardinals lost 5 fumbles in this game, but were still able to comeback after Neosho took a 21-20 lead.  Neosho would make it interesting as Coleman Scott tossed his 4th TD pass of the game with under 3 minutes to play to pull the Wildcats with 5, but Webb City would close it out.
• Carthage (6-1) Class 5 #8 at Republic (2-5)
• Prediction: Carthage stays on their game and gets another win.
• Result: Carthage 34, Republic 14.  Republic took a 7-6 lead late in the first quarter, but the Blue Tigers methodically pulled away for a comfortable win staying on top in the COC Large.
• Liberal (1-6) at Diamond (5-2)
• Prediction: The Wildcats take it.
• Result: Diamond 52, Liberal 8.  Never a game thanks to 4 TD passes from Carter Prewitt, and Triston Shephard who ran for 3 TDs, passed for 1, and caught 1 more.
• Miller (2-5) at Lockwood (6-1)
• Prediction: Lockwood keeps their title hopes alive.
• Result: Lockwood 35, Miller 0.  Jobe Edwards with 3 TDs and 193 yards on the ground as the Tigers did their part to stay in the SRVC title hunt.
• Reeds Spring (6-1) Class 3 #10 at Buffalo (2-5)
• Prediction: The Wolves get a chance to win it outright next week.
• Result: Reeds Spring 55, Buffalo 21.  It's official.  Someone other than Bolivar will be the COC Small champion as the Wolves clinch at least a share.  They put up 41 in the first half and led 55-7 to cruise to an easy win. 
• Pittsburg, KS (3-2) at Carl Junction (5-2) Class 4 #4
• Prediction: CJ's defense contains Pittsburg enough for the win.
• Result: Carl Junction 53, Pittsburg, KS 21. Tied 14 all at the half, and 21 all with just over 7 minutes left in the third, the Bulldogs blew up to win going away.  Rayquion Weston for 221 yards and 3 TDs, Michael Elbert with a 97 kickoff return and 74 yard interception return, and Kitch Channel with a 70 yard fumble return for good measure.
• Cassville (5-2) at Aurora (1-6)
• Prediction: The Wildcats get another W.
• Result: Cassville 45, Aurora 7.  Ho hum.  Just 5 rushing TDs for River Phelps as the Wildcats got out to a 31-7 halftime lead and didn't look back.  For good measure, he added a 33 yard field goal.
• Cole Camp (6-1) at Osceola (0-7)
• Prediction: No problem for Cole Camp.
• Result: Cole Camp 43, Osceola 12.  No problem at all. The Blue Birds led 22-0 at the end of the 1st quarter and cruised from there as the Indians remain winless.
• Mt. View-Liberty (7-0) Class 2 #2 at Salem (4-3)
• Prediction: Eagles avoid trouble and win.
• Result: Mt. View-Liberty 42, Salem 7.  Mt. View only led 12-7 at the half as Salem had success controlling the ball with a switch back to the wishbone due to QB Zak Eplin being out for the year. Liberty went with a run heavy attack also, but their defense was suffocating as they didn't yield a single first down in the 2nd half.  Josh Pruett with 155 yards rushing and 2 TDs. Marcos Rodriguez with 120 yards, 2 TDs, and 14 tackles.
• Monett (6-1) Class 3 #4 at Seneca (3-4)
• Prediction: The Cubs hold strong and get win #7.
• Result: Monett 35, Seneca 14.  The Indians took a 14-7 lead with 11 and a half minutes left in the 3^rd, but Monett answered in 2 plays to tie it.  The added 21 more down the stretch to avoid the upset.  Monett QB Ian Meyer was the catalyst with 2 TD passes and 2 TDs rushing.
• Marshfield (2-5) at Bolivar (4-3)
• Prediction: Bolivar continues to climb.
• Result: Bolivar 48, Marshfield 0.  256 yards and 3 TD for Lane Loomer all in the first half as Bolivar built a 35-0 halftime lead, the Liberator defense held Marshfield to just 130 yards of total offense, and Bolivar cruised to their 5th straight win.
• Appleton City (5-2) at Jasper (2-5)
• Prediction: App City shows that they're a solid team with a win
• Result: Appleton City 41, Jasper 35.  The Bulldogs jumped out to a 27-7 lead after the first quarter, but then watched Jasper chip away at the deficit the rest of the night.  The lead fell to 15 at the half, and 14 after 3 quarters before the Eagles scored to get within 5 with just over 5 minutes left to play.  But Appleton City was able to run out the clock for the win.
• Skyline (4-3) Class 1 #10 at Marionville (2-5)
• Prediction: Skyline with a comfortable win.
• Result: Skyline 55, Marionvile 19.  338 yards and 8 TDs on 26 carries for Shawn Bryan and this was not the most impressive performance of the night. 
• Hillcrest (3-4) at Rolla (1-6)
• Prediction: Hornets trail then take the lead in the 2nd half for a win.
• Result: Hillcrest 48, Rolla 34.  Here’s the most impressive.  Keegan Hoopes continues the Zizzer renaissance with a 7 TD, 351 yard effort. More on this in a bit.
• Sherwood (0-7) at Adrian (4-3)
• Prediction: Easy win for the Blackhawks.
• Result: Adrian 62, Sherwood 0.  The Blackhawks used 4 blocked punt to score at least twice in each period.  8 different players scored a rushing touchdown and 10 players registered points.
• McDonald County (0-7) at East Newton (2-5)
• Prediction: Taking the Patriots.
• Result: East Newton 56, McDonald County 34.  The Patriots have scored 87 points in the last 2 games, more than they scored in the 16 previous games combined.  They've now won 3 games this year or as many as they won from 2010 to 2015.  Over 500 yards of rushing from East Newton as Brandon Jordan had 165 and 2 TDs, Chance Liveoak 124 and 2 TDs, and 6 different Patriots scored.  The Mustangs put up some numbers too with Peyton Barton passing for 315 yards and 2 TDs, Cole DeLosSantos and Issreal DeSantiago each going over 100 yards receiving, and Oakley Roessler with touchdowns rushing, receiving, and on a kickoff return.
• Rich Hill (1-6) at Archie (1-6)
• Prediction: I'm sticking with them.  Archie for the win.
• Result: Archie 52, Rich Hill 8.  The Whirlwinds hold Rich Hill to -21 yards rushing and 84 yards of total offense as they scored on their first play from scrimmage and built a 37-0 half time lead for an easy win.
• Glendale (7-0) Class 5 #3 at Waynesville (0-7)
• Prediction: Glendale stays undefeated.
• Result: Glendale 58, Waynesville 7.  426 yards and 6 TDs for Alex Huston as the Falcons were far too much for the Tigers.  6 different Falcon receivers caught a TD pass with Spencer Wester catching 2.  Luke Montgomery with 5 catches for 130 yards and a score.
• Ava (5-2) at Cabool (0-7)
• Prediction: Cabool won't stop that roll.  Ava big.
• Result: Ava 35, Cabool 7.  A steady solid win for the Bears as they jumped out to a 13-0 lead before Cabool scored their only TD of the night.  But Ava pulled away the rest of the night as their defense kept it from getting interesting.
• African Centered Prep (2-5) at Lincoln (7-0) Class 1 #4
• Prediction: Still going with the Cardinals.
• Result: Lincoln 56, AC Prep 8. 32 points in the 2nd quarter sent the Cardinals on their way to another easy win.  Derek Stephens with 151 yards and 3 TDs for Lincoln.
• West Plains (2-5) at Parkview (2-5)
• Prediction: Zizzers keep rising with a win.
• Result: West Plains 57, Parkview 32.  The Zizzers look more and more like a post season dark horse as they ran all over the Vikings turning a back & forth game that was 28-20 late in the second quarter into a 50-20 blowout in the 3rd quarter.  Our player of the week Keegan Hoopes came up huge, more on him below.
• Lighthouse Christian (5-2) at Tipton (2-5)
• Prediction: I think the Chargers are playing well right now and win.
• Result: Lighthouse Christian 37, Tipton 12.  Up 16-6 approaching halftime, the Chargers protected their lead intercepting a Tipton pass in the end zone.  They then took control with 14 points in the 3rd for a 30-6 lead.  After wrecking havoc with his rushing last week, Bryant Taylor went 20 of 31 passing for 382 yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Greenfield (7-0) 8-man #7 at Colony-Crest, KS (3-2)
• Prediction: Greenfield only plays a half for an easy win.  
• Result: Greenfield 60, Colony-Crest, KS 6. Yep, just one half was all it took as the Wildcats keep pounding the opposition.  38-6 after the first quarter.
• East KC (0-7) at Cass-Midway (6-1)
• Prediction: I think the Vikings finally put their offense and defense together and win.
• Result: Cass-Midway 41, East KC 13.  Just the kind of performance The Vikings were looking for approaching district as they led 41-0 before East scored.
• Clinton (5-2) at Springfield Central (0-7)
• Prediction: Bulldogs can't break through.
• Result: Clinton 49, Springfield Central 8.  Too much Clinton offense as they led 42-0 at the half to keep the Bulldogs without a win.
• Springfield Catholic (4-3) at Rogersville (3-4)
• Prediction: Irish run to another win.
• Result: Springfield Catholic 38, Rogersville 6. Huge game from Nate Page who had 247 of Catholic's 477 rushing yards.  Page scored twice on just 9 carries.  Ramiro Avila added 121 yards as the Irish led 21-0 at the half and kept pouring it on.
• Southern Boone County (5-2) at Warsaw (0-7)
• Prediction: Too much from the Eagles as they beat Warsaw. 
• Result: Southern Boone County 49, Warsaw 21. SoBoCo jumped out to a 28-0 lead before Warsaw scored, and then they traded scores the rest of the night.
• Houston (1-6) at Mountain Grove (6-1) Class 2 #5
• Prediction: The Grove cruises.
• Result: Mountain Grove 49, Houston 0. 43-0 Panthers at the half and they cruise to their 2nd straight shutout.  Trystan Short, Chance Barbe, and Dustin Jarbo each with 2 TDs in the first half.
• Pleasant Hope (0-7) at Stockton (3-4)
• Prediction: Stockton gets back to .500 on the year.
• Result: Stockton 74, Pleasant Hope 6.  Mason Wheeler and Jake Brown each had 3 rushing TDs as the Tigers stormed to a 55-0 halftime lead.

The Bad

• Strafford (2-5) at Hollister (3-4)
• Prediction: Even if it is close, I think Strafford finds a way to win.
• Result: Hollister 25, Strafford 21.  Great win for Hollister as they get to 4 wins for the first time in their history.  And the do it with style coming back from a 14-7 2nd quarter deficit to lead 19-14 at the half.  They would push the leas to 25-14 before Strafford pulled within 4 with 6 minutes left in the game.  But they would hold off the Indians for the win.  Jackson Bekemeier rushed for over 100 yards and a TD and passed for 150 and 2 scores.  Both went to Derek Morris who had 100 yards receiving.

The Ugly

• Willard (1-6) at Branson (2-5)
• Prediction: It's the COC Large. Who knows anymore?  Give me Branson.
• Result: Willard 28, Branson 0.  Hats off to Willard. After giving up almost 35 points a game, they pitch a shutout of the Pirates who were starting to click offensively and hadn't been shut out all year.  Quinton Batson passed for 2 TDs and caught a TD pass as the Tigers pulled away from an 8-0 halftime score.
• Thayer (4-3) at Willow Springs (4-3)
• Prediction: Not as clear cut as I made it just sound, but I'll take Thayer.
• Result: Willow Springs 19, Thayer 0.  Scoreless at the half, the Bears found the end zone twice in the 3rd and again in the 4th as Dakota McDaniel caught a TD pass, returned an interception 51 yards for a score, and logged 13 tackles.  The Bear defense was huge including DL Matt Garrison who terrorized the Bobcats with 17 tackles including 9 solo tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and a sack.
• Warrensburg (1-6) at Nevada (2-5)
• Prediction: Should be a close one, but I'll take Nevada.
• Result: Warrensburg 22, Nevada 0.  The Tigers offense has deserted them as they haven't scored in over 8 quarters now since the put 54 on the board against Central.
• Pierce City (3-2) at El Dorado Springs (2-5)
• Prediction: The Eagles get a nice road win.
• Result: El Dorado Springs 44, Pierce City 26.  The Eagles held a 14-8 lead with under 5 minutes left in the 2nd period.  But El Dorado would take a 14-16 halftime lead as part of a 22-0 run to go up 30-14 with just over 2 minutes left in the 3rd.  Both teams would score twice more for the final margin and their third win in their last 4 games.

Player of the Week: Keegan Hoopes, RB, West Plains - 45 carries, 351 yards, 7 TDs. In a game that the Zizzers needed, and against a Viking team that would not go away, Hoopes took the bit and kept on churning up yards and points for West Plains.  TD runs of 2, 2, 3, 7, 10, 12, and 26 yards keep the Zizzers alive for the #5 seed in their district of death.

Record for the Week: 35-5, .875.  Not bad at all & I don't feel bad about my misses. Might have went differently on Pierce City/El Dorado Springs, but I think not.

Overall Record: 252-55, .821.  Solid, but not spectacular.  The story of my life.