The O-Zone Power Rankings are compiled by the staff each week based on a team's relative dominance by class. The school's are not compared head to head, but rather by how strong they are against similar competition as well as current momentum.
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(Last week in parenthesis)
- Billings, 6-1 (1) – It was a historically rough week for our top 15 with the top five all losing, including Billings; snapping a 19-game winning streak. We’re going to give the Wildcats the benefit of the doubt here considering their lone loss came to 4-time defending state champ Scott County Central, in overtime, without second leading scorer Brady Chastain. Expect the Wildcats to bounce back big time against MSHSAA newcomer School of the Ozarks.
- Nixa, 4-1 (2) – After thumping Glendale and Arkansas contender Little Rock McClellan, the Eagles ran into Kansas’ top ranked team Blue Valley Northwest in the Hy-Vee Shootout Saturday evening. Nixa fell in a tightly contested contest; one they will likely look back on as a strong learning experience. A big week awaits for the Eagles, hosting Kickapoo and Hillcrest before Christmas Break and a top seed in the Blue and Gold.
- Clever, 9-0 (6) – The Blue Jays and new head coach Luke Brosius have been one of the area’s nicest surprises, or maybe not so surprising. The Jays remained unbeaten with a win over Hurley early in the week before taking down regional powers Scott County Central and Sunrise Christian in the inaugural Ozark Mountain Shootout over the weekend. After a trip to Sarcoxie this week the Jays will get a shot to prove they’re better than their number five seeding in the Blue and Gold next week.
- Parkview, 6-0 (7) – The Vikings’ strong start continued with a 58-15 win over Neosho. The 58 points isn’t exactly lighting it up, but the 15 is extremely impressive. In fact, Coach Brown’s green and gold are allowing just 36 points per game so far, and that’s after allowing 60 in the season opener. PHS takes on Ozark and Carthage this week before opening Blue and Gold play as the other top seed.
- Republic, 5-1 (3) – The Tigers easily dispatched Cassville before dropping their first game of the season Friday night against Elgin Larkin, Il. in the Route 66 Shootout. Much like the other top teams who took losses, first year Coach Trevyor Fisher will use this loss as motivation. RepMo will look to defend its Blue and Gold title next week as the number two seed behind Parkview in the Gold Division.
- Strafford, 7-1 (4) – Strafford can join the party of top teams picking up their first loss. After a big win over MV-BT/Liberty the Indians fell to class five Jackson in the Route 66 Shootout. The Indians get back in the swing Monday night visiting Conway. In another note, Strafford earned a number two seed in the Blue and Gold behind Nixa in the Blue Division.
- Fair Play, 6-0 (9) – The Hornets were idle last week. They’ll have another week of practice in preparation for the Walnut Grove Holiday Tournament.
- Crane, 7-1 (10) – The Pirates keep on rolling with a big win over Chadwick. They’ll host Purdy and Cassville this week before celebrating the holiday’s with a five seed in the Blue and Gold next week.
- Hillcrest, 4-2 (5) – The Hornets dominated Ozark, but fell to Little Rock McClellan at the buzzer in Saturday’s Ozark Mountain Shootout. The Hornets have a tough week ahead, hosting Willard Tuesday before visiting Nixa Thursday. Then it’s a couple weeks off before opening conference play after the new year.
- Webb City, 4-1 (8) – The Cardinals bounced back from an early week loss to Bentonville, Ar. before walloping rival Joplin 65-37. The Cards take on Carl Junction this week before the Neosho Tournament after Christmas.
- Hartville, 6-1 (11) – The Eagles handed Ava its first loss in a close win before blasting Laquey by 52 points later in the week. They’ll hit the road this week to Buffalo and Cabool before a trip to the Blue and Gold next week.
- Mt Vernon, 5-3 (12) – It was a solid week for the Mountaineers. They’re 41-38 win over Ash Grove was a little too close for comfort, but 30 and 42 point wins over Southwest Washburn and Trinity Catholic in the Ozark Mountain Shootout more than made up for it. The Mountaineers are a definite sleeper in the Blue and Gold next week as a six seed.
- Willard, 5-2 (15) – The Tigers seem to be finding their groove. They improved to 5 and 2 with a 54-41 win over Marshfield Friday night. Similar to Parkview, the Tigers are getting it done on the defensive end; allowing 50 or more points just once this season. The Tigers could get another shot at the Vikings next week as a three seed in the Gold Division of the Blue and Gold.
- Kickapoo, 4-2 (13) – Beating Branson was a good win. Falling to Ozark was a bit of a bad loss. The Chiefs will get a shot to prove themselves this week with trips to Nixa and West Plains. The Chiefs gave Nixa its closest game locally last season at the Poo.
- Rogersville, 4-2 (NR) – After some thought it appears as though the Wildcats are worthy of a spot in the top 15. They knocked off a solid West Plains squad last week on the heels of a fourth place finish at the Republic Tournament, including a three point loss to Hillcrest. The Wildcats visit Glendale Thursday before being a three seed at the Blue and Gold the following week.
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