Joboo's Week 3 Picks

Let me just be up front.  I know it's week 3.  I know there are a lot of important games going on out there.  And I will not slight any team, player, or coach.  But Michigan football starts Saturday and my mind is there.  For the first time in a number of years, we have reason to believe we're going to be pretty good.  And it's making it hard to concentrate on other things.  I'm not saying we're going to win a Big 10 title or a national championship, but we should be pretty good.  That may change in a few weeks, but for now it's great to have the anticipation going strong.

That feeling is the same for most high school fans.  Hpe springs eternal each year.  But for some teams, that pre-season anticipation may be all gone come Friday night.  You can shrug off some early results, but generally by week 3, you have some idea of what you can be.  Unlike college football though where 1 loss at the wrong time to the wrong team can end your title hopes early, every team in the state of Missouri will have a chance to win a state championship in week 10.  You have to look no further than last year's Aurora team to see how persevering through early troubles can pay off at the end.

So even if things look rough Saturday morning, keep pushing, keep working, and don't give up.  Even if you don't win a state title, the lessons learned from completing a journey are worth every effort.  Here's where the journey takes everyone this week.

Game of the Week

• Neosho (2-0) at Willard (1-1)
• Last year's game was a classic.  This year's edition looks like it could be even more of a shootout with a great pair of dual threat QBs.  Neosho QB Coleman Scott showed his running ability in their week 1 win over Branson, and he has a great weapon in WR Bryce Murphy that he knows how to use. Willard QB Quinton Batson found his legs last week and has his own dangerous receiver in Kenny Chambers.   It may come down to the last team with the ball wins, but I think the team that drives the tempo has the better chance of getting the W.  For that, both teams turn to solid options out of the backfield.  Willard's Brock Howard and Neosho's Payton Klier can both run, catch, and each played big rolls in last weeks win.  
• Prediction: Willard has been on fire the last 5+ quarters.  While Neosho actually hurt themselves with key turnovers last week.  I think the Wildcats get back on track & win.

 Big Games 

• Lebanon (2-0) at Camdenton (2-0)
• Lebanon has jumped ahead in both of their games and comfortably won, while Camdenton has had to hold off late challenges for their wins.  Since winning 5 in a row against the Lakers from '08 to '12, Lebanon has dropped 3 of the last 4.
• Prediction: The Lakers have played better teams and have the look of a team on the rise.  I'll take them.
• Mountain Grove (2-0) at Ava (2-0)
• Ava has looked great since the second half of week 1.  But can they do the same against the Panthers?  With Liberty still ahead for both teams, this is huge for SCA hopes and district seeding.
• Prediction: It's been 6 years since Ava beat the Grove.  I think it will be at least another year before it happens.  Grove.
• Bolivar (0-2) at Reeds Spring (1-1)
• This most likely will decide the COC Small.  Bolivar is itching to get their first win after 2 tough losses and the Wolves are without some key players due to injury.
• Prediction: Not as close as the last 2 years.  Liberators roll.
• Carl Junction (2-0) at Ozark (1-1)
• The way Ozark is playing defense is going to win them more games this year.  But the Bulldogs have a solid defense as well, and are starting to show what their offense can do too.
• Prediction: Bulldogs stay atop the COC Large.
• Cass-Midway (2-0) at Adrian (1-1) 
• This game could decide the WEMO.  Midway was underwhelming last week but might have been looking ahead.  Adrian's 2 WEMO losses last year were by a total of 13 points.
• Prediction: I think the Vikings look better and win.

Other Games to Watch

• Aurora (0-2) vs Lamar (2-0)
• The Houn Dawgs complete their class 2 power trifecta with the champs.  How will the Tigers compare to how the Panthers and Eagles did?
• Prediction: They'll do just fine.  Lamar wins easily.
• Diamond (2-0) at Buffalo (1-1) 
• While Diamond just keeps winning, Buffalo gave a glimpse of what coach Mark Jackson is working toward in last weeks win.  
• Prediction: I like where Buffalo is headed, but I think Diamond takes this one.
• Republic (1-1) at Webb City (0-2) 
• The way the Cardinals have played the first 2 weeks, they could be winless going into week 9.  Can Republic take advantage of their woes?
• Prediction: I think Webb gets control of their turnovers and get a win.
• Sarcoxie (1-1) at Miller (1-1)
• Can one of these teams challenge Lockwood or Diamond for the SRVC crown?
• Prediction: Miller is more battle tested, I think they get the W.
• West Plains (1-1) at Glendale (2-0)
• To be considered a serious OC title contender, Glendale has to win games like this one.  They already have one in their pocket beating Joplin week 1.  They can't slip up here.
• Prediction: After watching the Falcon D last week, I think they're for real.  Glendale.
• Kickapoo (2-0) at Joplin (1-1)
• The Eagles are a step behind last year, but they are not going away.  And they have some dangerous weapons.  Kickapoo has shown through the first two weeks they can beat you on the ground or through the air.
• Prediction: Chiefs keep putting up big numbers and winning.
• Lockwood (2-0) at Forsyth JV (2-0)
• Why is a game against a JV squad that doesn't even officially count a game to watch?  To get a glimpse of the future.  And because it could be a good one.  Forsyth is 2-0 and went 5-1 last year.  Their only loss?  To Lockwood.
• Prediction: Lockwood stays unbeaten, but it may be a lot closer than you think.

Rest of the Schedule

• Thayer (1-1) at Mt. View-Liberty (2-0) 
• The Bobcats showed what they are capable of last week after a mistake plagued week 1 loss.  While Liberty looks dialed in.
• Prediction: The Eagles are on a mission and keep rolling.
• Drexel (1-1) at Archie (0-2)
• While Drexel continues to Jekyll and Hyde, Archie's 2 losses are by a total of 11 points to a pair of good teams.
• Prediction: The Whirlwinds are winless no more.
• Monett (2-0) at Mt. Vernon (1-1)
• The Mountaineers passing game could be challenging, but I see Monett being able to apply a lot of pressure on Garrett Hadlock.
• Prediction: No problem for the Cubs.
• Lincoln (2-0) at Osceola (0-2)
• Oh how times have changed.  The Indians are winless, and the Cardinals are in no mood to show mercy.
• Prediction: Lincoln wins big.
• Houston (0-2) at Salem (2-0)
• Salem needs to make hay now.  Their first four opponents this year have won just 1 game so far.  Their next four have yet to lose.
• Prediction: Salem stays undefeated.
• Branson (0-2) at Carthage (1-1)
• The Pirates aren't bad, they just can't get stops when they need to.  Carthage is flying high and wants to keep their momentum going.
• Prediction: Carthage stays in the COC Large title chase.
• El Dorado Springs (0-2) at Ash Grove (2-0)
• The Pirate defense has been strong.  But they need to find some more offense if they're going to have a shot at the Mid-Lakes title.
• Prediction: Ash Grove goes to 3-0.
• Stockton (1-1) at Skyline (0-2)
•  Both teams are coming off of conference losses.  Both need a win to have a shot at staying in the Mid-Lakes race.
• Prediction: Stockton stays afloat with a win.
• East Newton (0-2) at Cassville (1-1)
• Last weeks win over Reeds Spring was just what Cassville needed after meeting Lamar in week 1.  Meeting Cassville is not what the Patriots need after facing Lamar last week.
• Prediction: Cassville gets win #2.
• Parkview (0-2) at Rolla (0-2)
• After facing Kickapoo and Joplin, the Vikings are happy to go on the road to take on Rolla.
• Prediction: Parkview gets win #1.
• Northeast (Arma, KS) (0-0) at Liberal (0-2)
• Liberal was feisty last week in losing a tough one to Pierce City. Meanwhile NE went 3-6 last year and the three teams they beat combined to win 1 game.
• Prediction: Liberal gets their first win.
• Appleton City (1-1) at Rich Hill (0-2)
• This is the Joboo Jr. pick of the week.  Appleton City knocked off Osceola last week, but Rich Hill's losses have been to Lockwood and Lincoln.
• Prediction: No matter, Jr. is going with Appleton City to win.
• Marshfield (1-1) at Springfield Catholic (1-1)
• This Jays team has a 'win only the ones they're supposed to' feel.  While Catholic has shown some grit.  Marshfield needs a breakthrough game.
• Prediction: I don't think Marshfield gets it here.  Irish win.
• KC St. Pius X (1-1) at Nevada (0-2)
• The Tigers are struggling to find the end zone, and now face St. Pius who has a win over Odessa already.
• Prediction: Nevada falls to 0-3.
• Hillcrest (0-2) at Waynesville (0-2)
• Not sure what to make of either of these 2 teams, but if Hillcrest doesn't win here, they may carry a goose egg in the win column until October.
• Prediction: The Hornets have shown me more & need it more.  They win.
• Rogersville (1-1) at Hollister (2-0)
• The Tigers are off to a great start, but Rogersville is looking to bounce back after last week's beat down from Monett.
• Prediction: I like Hollister to keep the fast start going.
• Willow Springs (2-0) at Cabool (0-2)
• Don't know if the Bears can contend for an SCA title, but they definitely aren't going to finish at the bottom.
• Prediction: Willow Springs
• Jasper (0-2) at Pierce City (1-1)
• Jasper has been struggling and it's the home opener for Pierce City.  You see where this is going.
• Prediction: Pierce City
• California (0-2) at Warsaw (0-2)
• Warsaw has improved since last season, and California is not their normal strong self.  But have the Wildcats made up enough ground to win after losing to the Pintos 36-0 last year?
• Prediction: They haven't beaten California since 2010 and I don't think they will tonight.
• Pleasant Hope (0-2) at Fair Grove (2-0)
• Fair Grove has to avoid looking ahead to next week's matchup with Springfield Catholic.
• Prediction: Even if they do, they should be fine.  Fair Grove.
• Seneca (1-1) at McDonald County (0-2)
• The Indians almost beat a very good Osage team last week and are trending up.  The Mustangs continue to struggle.
• Prediction: Seneca.
• Lighthouse Christian (1-1) at Metro East Lutheran (Edwardsville, IL) (0-1)
• The Chargers look to bounce back from last week's loss to Ava against a Metro East club that went 0-9 last year.
• Prediction: Chargers get back on the winning track.
• Springfield Central (0-2) at Nixa (2-0)
• The rough road continues for Central.  Nixa has had to fight late for both wins.
• Prediction: Nixa.
• Strafford (0-2) at Marionville (1-1)
• The conference opener for both teams and both are looking to bounce back from being shutout by a SCA team last week.
• Prediction: I think Strafford is ready to break through.