By Chris Parker
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 Week 1 in the video above.
1. Webb City (C4 – 1-0 – LW: 1)
Webb City was methodical in dispatching Carl Junction 34-0 in Week 1. Six players combined to rush for 318 yards and four touchdowns on 46 carries. No player had more than Terrell Kabala’s 80 yards rushing. The defense was dominant with six sacks led by Brayden Bond’s three sacks. This week Webb City hosts Joplin in one of the area’s biggest games of the week.
2. Carthage (C5 – 1-0 – LW: 2)
Carthage went on the road and dominated Nixa to the tune of 35-0 to open the season. Marcus Huntley had a receiving touchdown on offense and an interception on defense. Tyler Mueller was strong from his running back position with three touchdowns from 61, nine and two yards out. He finished with 155 yards on the ground. This week Carthage hosts Carl Junction before traveling to Joplin for a Week 3 showdown.
3. Lamar (C2 – 1-0 – LW: 3)
Rogersville hung around early, but Lamar would pull away in the second half on the way to a 38-19 win. The Tigers took the lead for good at 14-13 with 11:28 left in the second quarter. The Tigers travel to face fellow 1-0 squad Hollister this week.
4. Mt. Vernon (C3 – 1-0 – LW: 4)
Mt. Vernon staved off an upset-minded Monett squad to win 22-21. The Mountaineers went for two with no time on the clock to get the win. See video of the play below.
Mt’Neers WIN!! 22-21!!! pic.twitter.com/RYiduXqT6g
— Mount Vernon HS (@MVHighSchool) August 31, 2019
Mt. Vernon hosts Nevada this week.
5. Joplin (C6 – 1-0 – LW: 5)
Joplin rolled by Willard 36-13. The way the Eagles controlled the trenches was impressive. Willard has good size and experience yet Joplin with a completely new offensive line gashed the Tigers for 312 yards on the ground. Isaiah Davis had 147 of those yards and three touchdowns. Nathan Glades added in 117 yards on 17 carries. This week, Joplin has a chance to make a statement with a road game at Webb City.
6. Lincoln (C1– 1-0 – LW: 6)
Lincoln crushed North Callaway 40-8, which helped the Cardinals solidify their No. 1 ranking in Class 1 with all nine first place votes. Jackson Beaman had himself a night throwing for 241 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 148 yards and three more touchdowns. The Cardinals travel to Concordia this week.
7. Pierce City (C1 – 1-0 – LW: 7)
Pierce City beat Lockwood 27-14 on the road to open the season. The win was the 20th consecutive regular season victory for the Eagles. They stayed at No. 3 in this week’s state rankings. Up this week is a road trip to face Diamond.
8. Ava (C2 – 1-0 – LW: 8)
Ava almost let it slip away, but the Bears held on to beat Buffalo 38-36 in overtime by stopping a two-point conversion. The Bears had a 24-10 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but gave up two unanswered touchdowns to Buffalo before heading into overtime tied. Up this week is a home game with Hallsville.
9. Camdenton (C4 – 1-0 – LW: 9)
It was rainy, but that didn’t stop the Lakers from throwing the ball around in a 39-12 win over Waynesville. Paxton Delaurent completed 61% of his passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns. The defense might have been most impressive holding Waynesville star running back Shen Butler-Lawson to 51 yards on 23 carries. This week, Camdenton travels to Parkview.
10. West Plains (C4 – 1-0 – LW: 10)
Brayden Lidgard did Brayden Lidgard things running for 168 yards and three touchdowns on just EIGHT carries to help West Plains overwhelm Hillcrest 42-14. Connor Rackley was the picture of efficiency at quarterback going 7-for-9 with 155 yards and two touchdowns through the air. West Plains hosts Rolla this week.
Knocking on the Door: Cassville (C3 – 1-0), Lebanon (C4 – 1-0), Fair Grove (C2 – 1-0), Thayer (C1 – 1-0), Catholic (C3 – 1-0)
