THEN:
1. Webb City (9-0) - Most of the 2012 Cardinals don't know what losing is...literally. The Big Red Machine has won 30 straight games, including a 56 point outburst at the Show-Me Bowl last November. But don't think the Cardinals are rebuilding just yet. Phoenix Johnson, Nate Brown, and Jose Speer return to lead the way in 2012. Springdale Har-Ber could be the only road block to 91 straight regular season game victories.
NOW:
1. Webb City (9-0) - Okay. It didn't take a genius to get this one right. The Cardinals have rolled to a 9-0 start and need just 6 more wins for their third straight state title. Districs begin this week with a tuneup against West Plains. That's one long bus ride home for the Zizzers.
THEN:
2. Lamar (7-2) - The Tigers can also boast a state title from last season. D-1 prospect Austin Boice will clear the way for last years 2nd and 3rd leading rushers, QB Levi Peterson and RB Jared Beshore.
NOW:
2. Strafford (9-0) - We knew the Indians would be good, but didn't quite expect this. The Indians and their high powered offense begin their district title quest Friday hosting Cuba.
THEN:
3. MV-BT/Liberty (7-2) - The Eagles return 17 starters from last years 12-1 team that lost to eventual state champ Lamar. Junior quarterback Jaelon Acklin is back after posting over 2,200 yards last season. The Eagles are focusing on running the ball and stopping the run.
NOW:
3. Cassville (9-0) - Just when you think the Wildcats are in for a "down year" they run the regular season table. The question remains how they will fare against the state's top class 3 contenders, but I wouldn't expect them to lose until the quarterfinals at the earliest.
THEN:
4. Cassville (9-0) - For the 1st time in 4 years the Wildcats failed to reach at least the semifinals last season. Don't expect a dropoff this year. Chris Dunker and Hayden Prater return as solid ball carriers. The big question will be how do the Cats replace QB Ricky Nichols (Missouri Southern)?
NOW:
4. Miller (9-0) - We actually didn't have Miller in the preseason Top 10. Was that wrong? Yeah, probably. The Cardinals went undefeated in the regular season. But to play devils advocate their strength of schedule wasn't to the level of fellow class 1 contender Skyline. The Cardinals open district play hosting winless Liberal, who they beat 46-0 on August 31st.
THEN:
5. Skyline (7-2) - 16 starters return for Coach Shelby's Tigers. Skyline picked up some big momentum with a playoff win over Miller last season. Look out for Logan Bryan in the backfield and Dylan Tippee who is moving from WR to QB.
NOW:
5. Mountain Grove (9-0) - Gotta admit, this one was the biggest head scratcher of them all. Full disclosure, I saw the Panthers around .500 this season. Well boy did they prove me wrong going 9-0 and earning the top seed in the highly competitive class 2 district 3 where they'll open Thursday with Pleasant Hope.
THEN:
6. Camdenton (6-3) - Jeff Shore's Lakers got hot to finish 2011, reaching the class 5 quarterfinals. Almost every skill player returns, including the 2-headed backfield monster of Murphy Ward and Justin Bernabe.
NOW:
6. Hillcrest (8-1) - Here's another one that surprised me, but it's been a really nice surprise for the North Siders. The Hornets are up to 4th in the Sportswriters class 4 poll and are well on track for a district championship rematch with Webb City November 5th. That's all you can ask for if you're a Hornet is another shot at the Cardinals.
THEN:
7. Strafford (9-0) - After losing only 2 seniors last season, the Indians are now loaded for a run through the Mid Lakes Conference. A lot of eyes are on strong armed junior QB Jacob Wade.
NOW:
7. Ozark (8-1) - It's not that we didn't think Ozark would be good; it's the fact that they've been this good. The Tigers stand an excellent chance to make it out of the district, and I for one am looking forward to seeing how they shape up against the rest of the state.
THEN:
8. Bolivar (7-2) - The Liberators have dominated the COC Small since its inception, but are looking for a deep playoff run. Junior QB Rafe Peavey is one of the regions best under center. Seniors Devin Archer, Kolby Follis, and Kelly Winfield will be counted on for leadership.
NOW:
8. Lebanon (8-1) - When you really get down to it the Yellow Jackets are a call or two away from being undefeated and likely in our top 5. But the lone loss to Hillcrest really did nothing more than provide motivation for a team out to prove they belong among the state's best class 5 teams. I can't wait to see Lebanon vs. Camdenton rematch in the November 5th district championship. That is if the seeding plays out.
THEN:
9. Lebanon (8-1) - The Yellow Jackets are in for a big year. Senior running back Brock West returns after rushing for over 1,700 yards in just 8 games last season. Hayden Brackett will also be a huge difference maker at QB. Circle your calendar for Lebanon at Camdenton September 7th.
NOW:
9. Skyline (7-2) - Our original placing of number 5 would have come to fruition if not for a 35-14 loss to class 1 2nd ranked Tipton last week. But oh well, number 9 is not bad, and the Tigers still have the number one seed in their district. They'll have no trouble with Rich Hill this Thursday in the district opener.
THEN:
10. Thayer (5-4) - Billy Webber's Bobcats won 9 games last year, and look to at least match that total this fall. The defense will be the calling card for Thayer with 6 starters returning.
NOW:
10. Bolivar (7-2) - The Liberators jump back into the Top 10 just in time for the playoffs. After a couple early (injury plagued) losses BHS has been bullett proof. And the best thing about it all? They're in a district as far away from Webb City as humanly possible.
THEN:
Knocking on the door: Rogersville, Ozark, Miller
NOW:
Knocking on the door: Carthage, MV/BT-Liberty, Lamar, Parkview
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