The O-Zone Football Power rankings will be released on every week throughout the football season. Rankings are a measurement of dominance within class and not a strictly head-to-head comparison. Coaches are encouraged to send any information, including stats, milestones and records to Chris Parker (cparker@ky3.com). See the top plays of the week in the video above.
1. Lamar (2-0 – LW: 1)
Another week, another win. Lamar cruised to a 51-6 win over Hollister to extend the nation’s longest winning streak to 51 games. The Tigers have outscored their first two opponents 116-26. A road trip to Aurora awaits this Friday.
2. Webb City (2-0 – LW: 2)
Webb City impressed in its 47-27 win over Joplin on Friday by picking up a win on the road against a state-ranked Class 6 school despite losing starting quarterback Cade Beason to injury in the game. Kade Hicks filled in admirably for Beason by completing both of his passing attempts for 90 yards and a touchdown. Devrin Weathers didn’t look like a sophomore taking 20 carries for 154 yards and a touchdown. Durand Henderson was just behind him with 19 carries for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Cardinals were impressive by holding a dynamic Joplin offense to just six second-half points. This week Webb City faces 2-0 Neosho.
3. Carthage (2-0 – LW: 3)
Carthage moved to 2-0 with a 42-18 win over Carl Junction. Zeke Sappington is a talented dual threat quarterback, but the Tigers continue to get it done on the ground. They rolled up 382 rushing yards and 46 passing yards against the Bulldogs. Sappington and Tyler Mueller combined for most of those yards with the quarterback scoring on a couple of touchdowns from outside 40 yards and a two more on runs inside the 10. Through two weeks Carthage has rushed for 732 total yards against 131 passing yards. Carthage gets its biggest test of the season to this point with Joplin coming to town.
4. West Plains (2-0 – LW: 5)
West Plains picked up its second shutout of the year in a 49-0 win over Rolla in Week 2. The Zizzers have dominated both sides of the ball by outscoring opponents 91-0 through two games. Last week, the defense held a Rolla team that rolled up 473 yards of offense, including 401 on the ground, to just 104 total yards and 28 rushing yards in Week 2. Offensively, Brayden Lidgard took 15 carries for 210 yards and three touchdowns. Allen Marcak continues to be strong at quarterback by completing all three of his passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdowns went to Garrett Warren for 145 total yards. The Zizzer secondary will get a tough test this week with a home showdown with state-ranked Camdenton.
5. Mt. Vernon (2-0 – LW: 6)
Mt. Vernon’s Will Boswell proved he can do it all in the Mountaineers’ 48-16 win over Nevada in Week 2. The reigning Class 3 Defensive Player of the Year recovered a fumble on Nevada’s opening drive. He would then show off his arm as he threw for Mt. Vernon’s first touchdown on a 77-yard halfback pass to Cale Miller while adding two touchdowns on the ground later in the game. The Mountaineers will face a 2-0 Marshfield squad this week on the road.
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6. Joplin (1-1 – LW: 4)
Joplin came out strong against Class 4 No. 1 Webb City by knotting the game at 14 after one quarter and trailing by just a touchdown at the half. Webb City would eventually pull away in the second half with a 47-27 win. Zach Westmoreland was strong again with 143 yards receiving and three touchdowns. He added eight total tackles on defense. Blake Tash completed 18 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns. Isaiah Davis was strong on the ground with 12 carries for 100 yards and a touchdown. Joplin has a massive road trip to state-ranked Carthage this week. The Eagles need a win to stay close in the conference race and to help improve their district ranking in a tough Class 6 district that features Kirkwood (Class 6 No. 3) and Eureka (Class 6 No. 5).
7. Camdenton (2-0 – LW: NR)
Camdenton overhauled its offense in the offseason and it has paid off early with another 40-point performance in a 44-6 win over Parkview. The Lakers threw for 320 yards and rushed for 85 yards in the win over Parkview. The defense has been stout by allowing just six points so far this season. The Lakers did a great job on a potent Parkview offense by holding the Vikings to 267 total yards with 155 of those coming on the ground. Blake Delacruz was held to 105 yards and no touchdowns on 19 carries a week after taking five carries for 180 yards and three touchdowns. Camdenton makes the trip to West Plains this week in a battle of two of Class 4’s top 10 teams.
8. Cassville (2-0 – LW: NR)
Class 3 is going to be the most interesting class to follow this year. Cassville is one of the fastest rising teams after a statement 34-7 win over Springfield Catholic. The Wildcat defense held down an Irish offense that rolled up 50 points on Seneca in Week 1 while rushing for 256 yards and passing for another 108. The Wildcats have a rivalry game with Monett this week before hosting Seneca in week four.
9. Reeds Spring (2-0 – LW: NR)
There is almost no separation between Reeds Spring and Cassville in my mind at this point. Reeds Spring was impressive with a 28-0 shutout win over Seneca to drop the Indians to 0-2. The Wolves host tradition COC Small rival Rogersville (0-2).
10. Lebanon (2-0 – LW: NR)
Two games, two shutouts. Lebanon lost a lot of talent from last year’s district championship team, but thus far the Yellowjackets have just reloaded. Lebanon rolled by Central 59-0 in week two with 13 different players rushing for 280 yards and seven touchdowns. Quarterback Ty Glendenning had a rushing and passing touchdown to go with an interception on defense. Through two games the Yellowjackets have outscored their opponents 100-0. Lebanon hosts Waynesville this week.
Knocking on the door: Strafford, Ava, Pierce City, Thayer, Catholic, Fair Grove
