By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Zizzers have claimed their first district championship since 2007, yet another milestone in their record-breaking season.
West Plains hosted Festus Friday night and took the title with a 45-6 win, retaining their undefeated record. In each of their 12 wins, the Zizzers have enacted the turbo clock against their opponents and scored 40-plus points.
“They’re solid on offense, solid on defense,” said Coach Steve Ary of his team. “These guys are awesome.”
The Zizzer defense was disciplined, limiting yards after contact with their physical style of play. The Tigers finally scored in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. The West Plains offense produced through multiple players while still allowing Brayden Lidgard a banner night on the ground.
Junior quarterback Connor Rackley picked up 103 passing yards and 26 yards on four carries for two touchdowns. Classmate Allen Marcak received three for 61 yards and a touchdown, rushing for 68 yards on four carries, adding a 45-yard punt return for a score. Caden Parker added 32 yards and a touchdown.
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Junior Brayden Lidgard has already smashed school records for career rushing touchdowns and rushing yards. On Friday night, Lidgard was 19 for 200 yards and a touchdown. His single season rushing touchdowns are currently at 37 – breaking his own record of 35 from his sophomore season – and 2328 yards, as he continues to average a first down per carry. These stats are even more impressive considering Lidgard is sidelined for much of the second half due to the turbo clock.
West Plains will face the toughest test yet next week against No. 2 Ladue Horton Watkins in quarterfinal play. The undefeated state runners-up will have the home field advantage.
“They’re just another opponent,” said Coach Ary. “We’ll go out there and play hard and play physical and do what we do. I think we’ll come home still alive in this tournament.”
Ary knows his team is something special. “They’ve changed everything. They show us what it’s like to be friends, family, they show us how to work, they show us how to play with emotion; everything a good football team is made of, that’s what they’re made of.”
The Zizzers travel to St. Louis to face Ladue Horton Watkins High on Saturday, November 17 at 1 pm.
