By Sully Engels

Rogersville stifles Parkview to move to 3-0

Through three weeks, the Logan-Rogersville Wildcats are flying high – statistically and historically.

The Wildcats used a devastating passing attack to improve to 3-0 for the first time in 14 years, beating Parkview 34-12 at JFK Stadium in Springfield on Thursday night.

Senior quarterback Sam Frieze had 295 yards and four touchdowns on only nine completions. Most of the damage occurred in the first half as Logan-Rogersville capitalized on three Parkview turnovers to lead by three touchdowns at halftime.

“Going into this, we knew (Parkview) was going to play man (coverage),” Frieze said. “We have some athletic guys on the outside and our offensive linemen can protect well. We wanted to take a couple of shots (deep) and see what happens. And it worked out in our favor.”

Sophomore wideout Gage Hale finished with 190 yards on four catches, including touchdown grabs of 77, 35 and 62 yards. The 62-yarder, early in the second half, saw Hale outjump a Parkview defender in the endzone to make the touchdown grab.

Frieze and Hale started their explosive night with a bang. On 3^rd and 15 midway through the first quarter, Hale got behind the Parkview secondary and hauled in a bomb from Frieze for a 77-yard touchdown.

“With what Parkview was doing, they were really loading the box in a 3-3-5 stack defense and running a lot of stunts,” said Logan-Rogersville coach Joel Wells. “It made it difficult to run up inside, so we had to take some shots down the field. It just worked out in our favor.”

After tallying nearly 300 rushing yards in a season-opening win at Reeds Spring, the Wildcats showed their overall offensive potential in last week’s 47-36 win over Ava. Logan-Rogersville threw for 265 yards and amassed over 300 yards on the ground as well.

“We have some guys who can really run,” Wells said. “We feel like if you’re going to come up and press-man our (receivers), we have some guys who can get behind you.”

Logan-Rogersville’s 3-0 record has a noteworthy precedent.

It’s the program’s best start since 2011, when the Wildcats finished 14-1 overall and won the Class 3 state championship.

“It’s been called to my attention many times this week,” Wells said.

Frieze has been informed of those glory days as well.

“I remember…well, I was told about it,” Frieze said. “I’ve heard about that team a lot. Right now, we just have to focus one week at a time. As long as we’re the best team on the field week by week, we’re going to do what we do. That’s all we’re worried about.”

The Wildcats left no doubt on Thursday night, forcing four turnovers and limiting Parkview to just one touchdown until the game’s final minute.

“Our defense played a lot better tonight,” Wells said. “We put them in some bad spots at times…but it’s a win and we’re happy with it.”

Junior running back Joe Roche, who tallied over 200 yards on the ground in last week’s win against Ava, had 88 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Senior Cash Clark finished with over 100 total yards and a score.

Wells, who built winning programs at Cassville, Nixa and Kickapoo in past stints, is liking what he sees in his first year with the Wildcats.

“They come to work every day and they’re coachable,” Wells said. “And they want to be good. What else can you ask for as a coach? There are teams who are more talented than us in some areas, but our guys want to be good and they want to be coached and they work hard. I’m extremely proud to be their coach.”

Parkview senior running back Khasye Highley led the Vikings with 129 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries.

Logan-Rogersville travels to Carl Junction next Friday, Sept. 19 for its Ozark Mountain Conference opener. Parkview (0-3 overall) will play at Bolivar.

Logan-Rogersville 34, Parkview 12

Logan-Rogersville 14 13 7 — 34

Parkview 0 6 0 6 — 12

First quarter

Logan-Rogersville – Hale 77 catch from Frieze (Knowles kick)

Logan-Rogersville – Clark 58 catch from Frieze (Knowles kick)

Second quarter

Logan-Rogersville – Roche 2 run (Knowles kick)

Parkview – Highley 2 run (kick failed)

Logan-Rogersville – Hale 35 catch from Frieze (run failed)

Third quarter

Logan-Rogersville – Hale 62 catch from Frieze (Knowles kick)