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 (5-0 – LW: 1)
Seneca gave Lamar a push early in Week 4, but the Tigers would pull away in the second half for a 49-27 victory to extend the nation’s longest winning streak to 54 games. Lamar led by just two points at the half, but wore the Indians down in the second half to take the win. The Tigers welcome in East Newton this week.
2. Webb City (5-0 – LW: 2)
The Cardinals took control of the Central Ozark Conference standings in a 21-12 win against Carthage. Cade Beason returned to the field for the Cardinals and found Terrell Kabala for two touchdown passes. Kabala scored a third touchdown on a 65-yard pick-six in the third quarter to give the Cardinals a 21-6 lead and all the points they would need. The Cardinals are the prohibitive favorite to win the conference title with no teams left on the schedule currently above .500.
3. West Plains (5-0 – LW: 4)
West Plains’ dominance of the Ozark Conference continued with a 48-13 Week 5 win over Lebanon. The Yellowjackets came into the game averaging 50.5 points per game while giving up 10 points per game. The Zizzers now have a margin of 222-20 this year. It is important to note that they have done this against some of the best teams in the conference. Lebanon, Camdenton and Rolla are all state ranked in their respective classes and each have one loss at the hands of the Zizzers. The average margin of victory for West Plains in those three games against state-ranked teams is 46-6.7. Brayden Lidgard will go over 1,000 yards for the season this week against Parkview. Right now he has 961 yards and 17 touchdowns on 131 carries.
4. Cassville (5-0 – LW: 5)
Cassville moved to 5-0 in an efficient and dominant 47-0 win over East Newton on Friday. The Wildcats were fairly balanced with 167 yards rushing against 107 yards passing. Shannon Haney picked up 54 of those yards on a long touchdown pass. The Wildcats have moved up three spots in the state rankings to No. 5 this week. McDonald County comes to town in Week 6.
5. Carthage (4-1 – LW: 3)
Carthage pushed Webb City despite being down two key players in quarterback Zeke Sappington and leading rusher Tyler Mueller. Sophomore Patrick Charlton tallied 269 yards and a touchdown in Sappington’s place. Expect him to only get better with more reps. Carthage in my mind is still the best Class 5 team in the area. The Tigers will finish out with three of four games at home.
6. Strafford and Fair Grove (5-0/5-0 – LW: 8)
Strafford and Fair Grove have blown out all comers this year and Week 5 was no exception with Strafford beating Windsor 45-6 and Fair Grove knocking off Stockton 42-0. This week they get to settle the question of who is better on the field, as Strafford travels to Fair Grove for our game of the week. On paper, these two teams have been fairly similar with Strafford outscoring opponents 249-19 and Fair Grove outscoring its foes 219-6. This game will go a long way in deciding the Mid-Lakes Champion and the top seed in Class 2 District 3. Right now Strafford is No. 1 in the district standings with 47.75 points with Fair Grove trailing just behind at 47.
7. Pierce City (5-0 – LW: NR)
Pierce City makes its debut in the rankings after beating Forsyth 53-0 in Week 5 to remain unbeaten. They currently sit at No. 7 in the state rankings. Like many teams on this list, their splits have been ridiculous by outscoring opponents 191-18. Their defense is hands down the best in the Southwest Conference. No other team has allowed fewer than 84 points this season in the conference. Pierce City travels to Marionville this week.
8. Catholic (4-1 – LW: NR)
The Catholic-Mt. Vernon-Reeds Spring question is the toughest part of doing this list. Catholic beat Reeds Spring 17-14 on a late field goal to hand the Wolves their first loss. The Irish get this spot on the strength of beating Reeds Spring which beat Mt. Vernon. Catholic’s loss was to Cassville. Tyson Riley showed no ill-effects from his ankle injury on the field against the Wolves as he rushed for 170 yards on 21 carries. The Irish relied heavily on the ground game with Riley attempting just one pass. They rushed for 316 yards as a team. Up next is a home game with Aurora.
9. Reeds Spring (4-1 – LW: 6)
Reeds Spring suffered its first loss to Catholic on a late field goal in Week 5. The state rankings favor Mt. Vernon with the Mountaineers at No. 7 and Reeds Spring at No. 10, but these rankings are based on dominance by class and Reeds Spring holds the head-to-head over Mt. Vernon which is in their class and district. The Wolves go to Hollister this week.
10. Joplin (3-2 – LW: 10)
Joplin picked up its second consecutive win in a 35-6 decision over Branson in Week 5. The defense really got it done for the Eagles with three interceptions by three different players along with a fumble recovery for four turnovers. In addition, the Eagles recorded six sacks led by three from senior Luke Kuehnel who also forced a fumble. Isaiah Davis carried the load on offense with 11 carries for 99 yards and three touchdowns. Blake Tash added 157 yards and a touchdown on 14-for-15 passing. Joplin is up to No. 4 in the district standings just 1.8 points out of third place. The Eagles travel to face Neosho this week.
Knocking on the door: Mt. Vernon, Lebanon, Camdenton, Ava, Jasper, Rolla
