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. Carthage (C5 – 2-0 – LW: 2)
Carthage slides up to the top spot this week. The Tigers rolled past Carl Junction 35-7 in Week 2. Tyler Mueller tore it up on the ground with 13 carries for 167 yards and three touchdowns. Carthage has now outscored its opponents 70-7 in the first two games. This week, Carthage gets a big test hitting the road to face a Joplin squad that beat Webb City last week.
2. Joplin (C6 – 2-0 – LW: 5)
Joplin experienced unfathomable tragedy last Wednesday when Kadin Roberts-Day collapsed after conditioning and passed away. The Eagles’ Week 2 game against Webb City was delayed one day. They came out on Saturday playing for Roberts-Day and came away with a 35-28 win. This week Joplin will host Carthage with a chance to take firm hold of the race for the COC title.
3. Lamar (C2 – 2-0 – LW: 3)
Lamar’s defense was dominant in a 34-3 victory over Hollister in Week 2. The Tigers are scoring at a lower clip early on with 72 points so far this season compared to 116 scored through two games last year. Their defense has been strong going six consecutive quarters without yielding a touchdown. Up next is a home game with Aurora.
4. Webb City (C4 – 1-1 – LW: 1)
Webb City trailed Joplin 28-7 at the half on Saturday. The Cardinals would mount a strong comeback, but fall short in a 35-28 decision, as five turnovers were just too much to overcome. The loss was just the second regular season home loss for the Cardinals since 2004. Ultimately the loss was to a Class 6 team that is a defending district champion, so they only slip a couple spots in these rankings. This week Webb City travels to Neosho.
5. Mt. Vernon (C3 – 2-0 – LW: 4)
Mt. Vernon had to sweat out a last-second win over Monett in Week 1. Week 2 was much less stressful for the Mountaineers in a 43-22 win over Nevada at home. This week, Mt. Vernon welcomes in a dangerous Marshfield squad for the KY3 Game of the Week.
6. Lincoln (C1– 2-0 – LW: 6)
Lincoln scored 49 points in the first quarter en route to a 56-26 win over Concordia. Jackson Beaman completed seven passes for 120 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, Lincoln recovered four fumbles and had one interception to help give the offense shorter fields to work with. This week, Lincoln faces a 2-0 Adrian squad that the Cardinals beat 38-14 in the state quarterfinals last season.
7. Pierce City (C1 – 2-0 – LW: 7)
The Eagles rolled Diamond 44-0 on the road in Week 2 after a tough Week 1 matchup with Lockwood. Pierce City sits at No. 2 in Class 1 in the latest state rankings. This week, Pierce City has its home opener with 0-2 Sarcoxie coming to town. Pierce City has just one remaining team on its schedule (Miller) that is undefeated through the first two weeks.
8. Ava (C2 – 2-0 – LW: 8)
Ava beat a quality Hallsville squad 28-26 in Week 2. Hallsville was receiving votes in the Class 2 state rankings entering the game. The Bears take their 2-0 record into a home game with 0-2 Mountain Grove this week to open SCA play.
9. Camdenton (C4 – 2-0 – LW: 9)
Paxton DeLaurent was surgical leading Camdenton to a 63-7 win on the road at Parkview. DeLaurent threw for seven touchdowns and ran for another. He passed current head coach Jeff Shore for the career touchdown passes record. The senior has 595 yards passing and nine touchdowns through two games. This week the Class 4 No. 2 Lakers welcome in Class 4 No. 5 West Plains.
10. West Plains (C4 – 2-0 – LW: 10)
West Plains has been hitting on all cylinders in the opening weeks. This past Friday, the Zizzers dismantled Rolla to the tune of a 49-13 final score. They rolled up 527 total yards with 419 of those yards coming on the ground. This week will be one of the games of the year in the Ozark Conference as the Class 4 No. 5 West Plains travels to face Class 4 No. 2 Camdenton.
Knocking on the Door: Cassville (C3 – 2-0), Lebanon (C4 – 2-0), Fair Grove (C2 – 2-0), Thayer (C1 – 2-0), Miller (C1 – 2-0)
