Quincy Herald Whig

Commentary: Mediocrity in Missouri districts could create excitement

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Published: 10/13/2011 | Updated: 6/17/2013

By BLAKE TOPPMEYER
and MATT SCHUCKMAN
Herald-Whig Sports Writers

Area Missouri football, as a whole, appears to be down a bit this season. However, now it's district time. So you can wipe the slates clean. The first seven weeks don't matter anymore. Get hot the next three games, and you're in the playoffs.

Although the area is seemingly void of a powerhouse program, there are a lot of equal teams that will make district races intriguing.

Class 2 District 12

Teams: Clark County (4-3), Monroe City (4-3), Palmyra (3-4), Highland (1-6).

Outlook: Despite the parity in records, Clark County is the odds-on favorite in this district. Even Palmyra coach Kevin Miles is willing to accept that.

"I think you have to look it that way. Clark has proven the last few years that they've been the team to beat," Miles said.

The Indians have six straight playoff appearances and beat their three district opponents by a combined score of 142-28 last season.

Monroe City and Palmyra are much-improved and have been playing well of late. Palmyra has won two of its last three games and gave Macon, ranked No. 1 in Class 2, a tough challenge for nearly a full half last week before falling 33-0. Meanwhile, Monroe City has won three of its last four. Highland isn't a team poised to make a run at a district title, but the Cougars proved in last week's 34-32 loss to South Shelby they can provide a challenge to a decent team.

The game to watch might be the Week 10 matchup of Monroe City at Palmyra. Miles, for one, hopes there's a lot riding on that contest.

"You always hope that last game of (districts) is going to mean something," he said. "And anytime you play Monroe, you know Palmyra and Monroe are both going to be fired up, and it's going to be a physical game."

Sleeper pick: Palmyra. The Panthers' losses came to Macon, Centralia, Brookfield and Milan, all of which are undefeated. That tough schedule could have Palmyra seasoned for a strong district run.

The champion: Clark County. Like Palmyra, the Indians lost games against Macon, Centralia and Brookfield. The Indians defeated each of their other foes by at least 35 points.

-- BT

Class 2 District 10

Teams: Mark Twain (1-6), Clopton-Elsberry (5-2), O'Fallon Christian (5-1), St. Peters Lutheran (0-7)

Outlook: Mark Twain has been a punching bag for most Clarence Cannon Conference opponents this season. At least the Tigers can breathe a sigh of relief that they won't have to see any of those CCC teams in district play.

Christian's record suggests it's the team to beat, but it's hard to imagine games against schools such as Lift for Life Academy have done much to toughen the Eagles up. Christian's wins have come against teams with a cumulative record of 8-27.

Sleeper pick: Mark Twain. True, the Tigers have done little to impress this year. But they at least seem to be a step ahead of Lutheran and have the advantage of playing at home this week when they face Christian.

The champion: Clopton-Elsberry. The IndianHawks have a high-powered offense that's been held under 36 points just once this season. If they get any kind of effort from their defense, they'll be tough to beat.

-- BT

Class 1 District 9

Teams: South Shelby (3-4), Paris (3-4), Louisiana (2-5), Van-Far (0-6).

Outlook: South Shelby hasn't been the South Shelby everyone expects. The Cardinals have dealt with injuries and inconsistencies, expecially up front.

That is about to change.

The Cardianls will start the same five offensive linemen in back-to-back weeks for only the second time this season, and their strength of schedule could be their advantage.

South Shelby played only Class 2 schools during the regular season, and that should be the edge.

Sleeper pick: Louisiana. The Bulldogs run an efficient and dangerous option attack, and they've played the likes of Palmyra and Monroe City equally as tough as South Shelby. The Bulldogs' advantage is starting district play against the Cardinals.

The champion: South Shelby. Cardinals coach Rob Wilt said they have been working on improving as tacklers. If they make the necessary adjustments, the Cardinals become dangerous.

-- MS

Class 1 District 10

Teams: Knox County (4-3), Schuyler County (3-4), Scotland County (2-5), North Shelby (0-7).

Outlook: This is the don't-I-

already-know-you district. These teams faced each other during the first seven weeks and should have a fairly good grasp of tendencies. That could be good or bad.

The coaching staff that comes up with a few new wrinkles offensively gives their team the best chance to win. Be careful, though, because too many new wrinkles could cause inconsistencies that lead to losses.

Sleeper pick: Scotland County. The Tigers should benefit from having reached the playoffs the previous two years. The ability to throw the ball consistently also is an edge the Tigers plan to exploint.

The champion: Knox County. The Eagles can be explosive, and against suspect defenses, look for Leighton McCabe and Co. to rack up some serious yardage.

-- MS