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 last week’s football games in the video above.
DISCLAIMER: Before I go any further, because there seems to be confusion, THESE ARE NOT A HEAD-TO-HEAD RANKING, BUT A RANKING OF DOMINANCE BY CLASS. I am not saying I think the Class 1 schools on this list could beat all the Class 4-6 teams ranked below them or not ranked.
CONFERENCE FOOTBALL STANDINGS – CLICK HERE
DISTRICT FOOTBALL STANDINGS – CLICK HERE
1. Joplin (C6 – 8-0 – LW: 1)
On the line in Week 9: Joplin has locked up a share of the COC title and will win it outright by defeating Carl Junction (4-4). The Eagles moved into the No. 1 spot in their district thanks to a Marquette loss in Week 8. A win by any amount and Joplin will hold onto that very important No. 1 seed forcing the St. Louis/Jefferson City schools to make trips to Joplin throughout the district playoffs.
2. Webb City (C4 – 7-1 – LW: 2)
On the line in Week 9: A district No. 1 seed. Webb City comes up to Nixa and needs to win and win by at least a 13-point margin to guarantee the district No. 1 seed and not be staring down a trip to West Plains for a district title game if seeds hold. Right now, the Cardinals hold a 1.62-point advantage over the Zizzers. Both teams are playing Class 5 teams this week, so that bonus cancels out. Overall, if Webb City wins and wins by 13 (or more) then Webb will hold onto the No. 1 district seed.
3. Lincoln (C1– 8-0 – LW: 3)
On the line in Week 9: Lincoln faces Cole Camp (5-3) this week in a district battle. A loss to Cole Camp would push the Cardinals likely to a two seed in district due to head-to-head results, so as long as the Cardinals win this week, the No. 1 seed in district is safe.
4. Mt. Vernon (C3 – 8-0 – LW: 4)
On the line in Week 9: Mt. Vernon has already locked up the Big 8 East title. Now the Mountaineers can secure the No. 1 seed in Class 3 – District 6 with a win over Hollister.
5. Carthage (C5 – 6-2 – LW: 5)
On the line in Week 9: No area team has a bigger cushion for a No. 1 seed than Carthage’s 11.77-point gap over second place Nixa. That being said, if Ozark could pull off the upset on senior night, Carthage would likely slip to the No. 2 seed behind Ozark based on head-to-head result.
6. Pierce City (C1 – 9-0 – LW: 6)
On the line in Week 9: Pleasant Hope forfeited its Week 9 game against Pierce City, so the Eagles finish the regular season as the undefeated Southwest Conference Champions. The Eagles are also locked into a No. 2 seed and appear on a collision course for a district semifinal rematch with Miller.
7. Ava (C2 – 8-0 – LW: 7)
On the line in Week 9: A share of the SCA title is already secure, now the Bears need to beat Willow Springs to make it an outright, unbeaten title. Ava has the area’s second-biggest lead over a No. 2 team in the district standings.
8. Camdenton (C4 – 8-0 – LW: 8)
On the line in Week 9: A ton. Camdenton had been leading its district standings the last few weeks until Cardinal Ritter forfeited its season turning a double-digit loss into a 13-point win for Helias Catholic, and catapulting the Crusaders into the No. 2 spot in the district standings. Last week, Helias beat a Class 6 Rock Bridge team to move into first place. Now, Camdenton trails Helias by 1.66 points for home field advantage throughout the district playoffs. The good news for Camdenton is Class 6 Kickapoo comes to town this week with its bonus points. The Lakers need to win and win by 13 or more. Helias has another Class 6 school on the schedule this week, but it is the state’s No. 1 team DeSmet. A loss by Helias and a win by Camdenton would be enough to get the Lakers back to first place.
9. Thayer (C1 – 7-1 – LW: 9)
On the line this week: Thayer is solidly in the No. 1 spot for its district. A winless Mountain Grove comes to town this week offering bonus points for playing up against a Class 2 school.
10. Lamar (C2 – 6-2 – LW: 10)
On the line this week: A district No. 1 seed. Lamar hosts one-loss Class 3 Cassville this week. Right now the Tigers are No. 2 in the district standings 1.09 points behind Fair Grove. Fair Grove is idle this week. It is simple for Lamar, win and the No. 1 seed should be theirs. Lose and likely have to settle for the No. 2 seed. The Tigers also have an outside shot at a share of the Big 8 West title, but a lot has to happen for that to happen with the Tigers needing a win over Cassville along with losses by Seneca and Monett.
Knocking on the Door: West Plains (7-1), Fair Grove (C2 – 8-0), Bolivar (C4 – 8-0), Miller (C1 – 7-1), Lebanon (C4 – 6-2)
