Each week, KSPR Sports director Mike Scott and KY3 Sports director Ned Reynolds will rank the top ten high school football teams in southwest Missouri. The rankings are based on a team's relative strength against other same size schools.
1. WEBB CITY – The Cardinals won the 2010 class 4 state title by 49 points. They’ve lost only once in the last 44 games. Until someone knocks them off, Webb is number 1. Graduation depleted the Cardinals depth, but this a reload type program. Keep an eye on RB/LB Phoenix Johnson, younger bro of MSU frosh Maddy Johnson.
2. ROGERSVILLE – The Wildcats lost to Cassville in the class 3 quarterfinals for the third straight year. Expect Rog to take the next step in 2011. The 2-headed backfield monster of Dylan Cole and Joe Zimmer lead the fast, strong, and deep COC Small power
3. LAMAR – The Tigers return 13 starters from a state semifinal team in 2010. While the regular season Big 8 schedule is brutal (Lamar is smallest school in conference) the playoffs are Lamar’s time to shine. Markell White is one of the area’s top running backs.
4. BOLIVAR – Don’t sleep on the Liberators. Just because they lost a ton of talent i.e. QB Kolt Peavey (S. Alabama) the cupboard is far from bare for Lance Rowton’s club. Darnell Walker (verbal to Tulsa) leads a highly athletic defense. Peavey’s little brother Raef (sophomore) takes over under center. And while he’s a bit raw, he’s every bit as talented.
5. CARTHAGE – The Tigers return 12 starters from a 9 and 2 team; keep in mind those 2 losses came to Webb City and Helias. Offensive line will be a strength, but who will replace all-COC Large RB Brian Poston.
6. CATHOLIC – The Irish lost only 8 seniors from last years class 3 sectional team that played close games against both Bolivar and Rogersville. Replacing Scott Chesbro on both sides of the ball will be tough. But Nick Gori (leading rusher last season) and senior quarterback Chad McBride are a good start.
7. PIERCE CITY – Pierce City made a big turnaround under first year head coach Mac Whitehead in 2010. More big things expected this fall behind junior QB Cedric O’Hara and all-state lineman Zach Crouch.
8. MOUNTAIN VIEW-LIBERTY – The Eagles had their best season in school history last year winning 11 games in 2010. A lot of talent has departed, but they have the luxury of returning all-state QB Kole Gastineau for his senior season.
9. CAMDENTON – Bob Shore has retired. The Jeff Shore (son) era begins Friday night as the Lakers get an early test, hosting Nixa.
10. GLENDALE – Maybe a shocker to make the list after a 3 and 7 season, but how can you argue 4 returning starters up front, a healthy Trevor Vaughn in the backfield, 6-4 Cameron Johnson catching passes, and talented junior QB Will Rogers. The Ozark Conference is wide open and it could be the Falcons chance…if they can find enough defense.
