Blair Oaks is the best football program in Mid-MO

[NikeFootball59]

This is such a great football team and great community that they have. The game last night felt like a collegiate atmosphere. People had to park all over Wardsville to get into the game 15 minutes early. They are extremely well-coached, too. They don't have a single OL that is more than 215 pounds and they still knock the piss out of people for four quarters. If you tie them up or lead them, it doesn't even phase them. They just casually march right on back and take the lead. The effort and discipline that these guys play with is so high that you have to play perfect for 48 minutes just to even stay close with them.

I'm going to go ahead and call it. It'll be Blair Oaks vs. Maryville for the state title.

 

[jcpasser12]

They got to get by McCluer South next . They beat St Charles West 12-7

 

[touchdown_Blair_Oaks]

Settle down a lot of football left. One game at a time.

 

[studlyduck]

Great program and great season. Wow! Would have beeen interesting to see one of those 215 lbs Offensive Lineman go against Schaefferkoetter from Sullivan one on one. He pretty much expected double-teams a bunch. If they are that good, and it sounds like they are, that would have been fun to watch.

 

[NikeFootball59]

Great program and great season. Wow! Would have beeen interesting to see one of those 215 lbs Offensive Lineman go against Schaefferkoetter from Sullivan one on one. He pretty much expected double-teams a bunch. If they are that good, and it sounds like they are, that would have been fun to watch.

Their OL coach was my OL coach in high school, and their OC was my JV coach in HS. So it's nice to see their coaches do so well.

What they've done with the OL is simply amazing. Coming into this year, they had a laughable OL with one returning starter and 3 converted skill guys playing OL. Their LT was a JV wide receiver and kicker last season. 4 of those guys never played OL.

They are without a doubt the best OL in the Tri-County and in District 6. Every little detail is done with perfection. They aren't scared to hit anybody.

 

[FistOH]

Is this like middle earth? Cool. I love Lord of the Rings.

 

[YoungCoach286]

Their OL coach was my OL coach in high school, and their OC was my JV coach in HS. So it's nice to see their coaches do so well.

What they've done with the OL is simply amazing. Coming into this year, they had a laughable OL with one returning starter and 3 converted skill guys playing OL. Their LT was a JV wide receiver and kicker last season. 4 of those guys never played OL.

They are without a doubt the best OL in the Tri-County and in District 6. Every little detail is done with perfection. They aren't scared to hit anybody.

Gus, easy now

 

[studlyduck]

Nike, it was obviously a great OL coach, OL effort this season. I really respect undersized lineman that produce like that and coaches that get it out of them. I'd still have liked to have seen them against Schaefferkoeter at around 230 lbs. He brings it, is very quick, and has technique. Wish Sullivan could have extended their season so maybe we could have seen that match up. Sullivan lost an impact offensive player early in the season.

 

[deacon jones]

Not sure whether I agree or not. Might depend what is defined as "Mid-Mo," and what schools would be included in that?

 

[TripleOne]

One would have to argue that Battle High might be able to make that statement, for example...

 

[TigerFalcon42]

Definitely best in Jeff City.

 

[mlbruem]

B O is a good team who has destroyed all the teams it has played. That being said they have played an incredibly weak
schedule. Year in and year out the schedule is incredibly weak so NO - not the best program. They must step up and upgrade the schedule to get that designation. They have a lot of great kids who work hard and play hard. It is not their fault the schedule maker does not challenge them.

 

[touchdown_Blair_Oaks]

B O is a good team who has destroyed all the teams it has played. That being said they have played an incredibly weak
schedule. Year in and year out the schedule is incredibly weak so NO - not the best program. They must step up and upgrade the schedule to get that designation. They have a lot of great kids who work hard and play hard. It is not their fault the schedule maker does not challenge them.

unfortunately their schedule is dictated by the conference they play in. Until the conference gets stronger not much they can do aside from joining another conference. They only have room for 2 non con games and one of those was Oak Grove so they are trying to step up the competition in that regard.

 

[hangmanbobbyjaggers]

Their Defensive line better play a heck of a lot better after SoBoCo gushed them with run after run after run! I would not pencil them in just yet in the finals. I do agree that they are very well coached, tough, hard nosed kids that play every down hard. This time of year, everyone does the same thing. It will be who stays healthy and makes the fewest mistakes. Good luck to all.

 

[TigerFalcon42]

You mean like JC. Beat one team with a winning record (6-5). First three teams they beat went 2-28 combined on the season. Another win vs a team that finished 1-9. Four of the Jays Six wins came against teams that finished 3 - 37 on the year.

Blair Oaks and Helias have both been to the dome in the 2000's. That used to be the measure of success in JC, well that and winning it all. Last time I believe was with Ron Cole leading the Jays in 1997.

 

[Gameday5013]

TigerFalcon42, why the hatred for Jeff City? Just curious, because everything you say is negative about them.

 

[Rufus R. Jones]

You mean like JC. Beat one team with a winning record (6-5). First three teams they beat went 2-28 combined on the season. Another win vs a team that finished 1-9. Four of the Jays Six wins came against teams that finished 3 - 37 on the year.

Blair Oaks and Helias have both been to the dome in the 2000's. That used to be the measure of success in JC, well that and winning it all. Last time I believe was with Ron Cole leading the Jays in 1997.

No, when Jeff City was dominant, making it to the title game was NOT the goal. Pete Adkins threw a 2nd place trophy in the trash can. If Blair Oaks and Helias did that, their trophy case would be barren.

 

[TigerFalcon42]

Don't hate Jeff City at all! I loved watching the Jays when they were THE team in the state. I don't like where they are, but am hopeful they can return to prominence. There is still a lot of JAY PRIDE in the community.

Rufus R. Jones is exactly right. I was stating that they are the only teams to even make the dance in Jeff City since the 90's.

 

[hangmanbobbyjaggers]

TigerFalcon42, why the hatred for Jeff City? Just curious, because everything you say is negative about them.

Probably his son was 4th string at JC and had to move to BO to play! lol#stirthepot

 

[TigerFalcon42]

Don't have any kids attending either school. However, if that were the case, at least he would still be playing this week.

 

[hangmanbobbyjaggers]

Don't have any kids attending either school. However, if that were the case, at least he would still be playing this week.

Just let BO schedule Helias and Jeff and they can have a Jeff City Championship trophy each year for the winner.

 

[Gameday5013]

I guess I should be more specific, why do you hate Jeff City currently? Did a coach or administrator upset you? Everything you post about them is negative, unless it has to do with what they did in the past. You're entitled to your opinion, which is fine, but times have changed, along with parents, kids and administration at Jeff City. Heck the town of Jeff City has changed a lot in 20 years, and not for the better.

So what school do you affiliate yourself with?

 

[TigerFalcon42]

To be more specific, I lived there 20 years ago and used to love to go watch the games. I have been back over the years and watched teams that are not the same product as before. As you mention, things/times may have changed from the glory days, but why settle. There are other power house programs across the state and they deal with the same modern day issues.

No one upset me and no I don't have children who played there, or anywhere for that matter. I don't coach and never have. I am just a fan of the good old days. The days where people were not so sensitive and you could speak the truth without someone thinking there is an ax to grind.

 

[Gameday5013]

First thing, I don't think anyone is being sensitive here, we're all just stating our opinions. You're last paragraph sums up what I meant about how times have changed. I agree with what you said and that is one of the biggest problems at Jeff City. I also agree with the why settle part too. The coaches at Jeff City are not satisfied with going 6-5, 9-2 or 7-3. They want to win every game and they want to win state titles.

What I've witnessed over the last 30 years is that a lot of schools have caught up with Jeff City and several have surpassed them. Every school has a strength and conditioning program now, most have quality coaching staffs now, most have the facilities and resources now. Most take football and sports in general a lot more serious now. Not to mention there is quite of few that are more talented. Anybody can say what they want, but those Jimmy's and Joe's make a huge difference.
It's no secret ever since 2000 there has only been 6 different schools that have won the state title in Class 6 or Class 5 for 2000 and 2001. Blue Springs, Rockhurst and Blue Springs South own 11 of those titles and played in 3 others. Hazelwood Central with 2 and CBC, Desmet each with one. This year will likely be Blue Springs, CBC or Rockhurst to win the title. What all these state title teams have in common, is they all had loads of talent. You take those 3 away and they're right there with any other school in the state.
How many D-1 guys or D-2 guys for that matter has Jeff City had in that time, especially the last 4 years. I've watched them for the last 30 years and this is what I see as the biggest difference. Especially in the last 10 years.

Bottom line is I know Ted LePage isn't Pete Adkins, and it's not fair to compare the two. But I do know he is a great coach and an even better person. Who always does what's best for those kids. He and the coaches want to win and they want to be successful, they work their butts off. It's a different day and age, Jeff City as an entire school district in everything has fell behind the 8 ball. People just need to quit throwing all the blame on the coaches. If we're going to be honest, then let's look at all the facts. There are lot of reasons they aren't what they used to be and it doesn't really have to do with coaching. The Jay Pride in the school district has been lost and it doesn't seem like they can get it back. I'm not going to get into all the political reasons or the problems the past administration has left for the the entire school district on this message board. But hey if you're ever in Jeff City and want to grab a beer or two and have an in depth conversation about it, let me know. I would be happy to let you know why I stand where I stand. Either way have a good day.

 

[BearsCountry]

I'm all for high expectations but unless you go undefeated and win state it's a failure of season is just a little crazy. I understand how it used to be under Pete Adkins but it's almost too lofty of expectations for anybody.

 

[Nwalls]

Blair Oaks will beat Berkely . Berkely has a lot of team speed but their offensive line is huge
but they are very avg. If they where strong on the OL it would be a great game but Blair Oaks
dee line will dominate.

 

[Pintos_No_1]

Wow...your prediction was way off.

Blair Oaks will beat Berkely . Berkely has a lot of team speed but their offensive line is huge
but they are very avg. If they where strong on the OL it would be a great game but Blair Oaks
dee line will dominate.

 

[Nwalls]

Can't believe it just thought Blair Oaks was awesome.

 

[NikeFootball59]

Can't believe it just thought Blair Oaks was awesome.

They were pretty good. They lost VanRonzelen, probably the most important player on that team, to a concussion early in the game. But MSB is the real deal. They've got a huge OL/DL and a QB that runs really hard and throws well. They remind me a little bit of a Trinity Catholic.

 

[mlbruem]

B O played a completely non competitive schedule and it showed. Same story year in and year out 8 to 9 wins on the schedule with out even taking a deep breath. Must up grade the schedule and that means kicking the Tri County to the curb.

 

[touchdown_Blair_Oaks]

Dude they have made the state semifinals and state quarterfinals in back 2 back years. I think they are holding their own

 

[O line wins games]

Dude they have made the state semifinals and state quarterfinals in back 2 back years. I think they are holding their own

Playing the same (or comparable) teams they play in the regular season...

 

[mosofan]

Can't believe it just thought Blair Oaks was awesome.

And you think Parkway North is awesome. Maybe your judgment is off on them too.

 

[bhunt95]

Playing the same (or comparable) teams they play in the regular season...

They are a longtime class 2 team. Most of their schedule is clasd 2 or recently moved to class 3 teams.

 

[FB junkie]

B O is a good team who has destroyed all the teams it has played. That being said they have played an incredibly weak
schedule. Year in and year out the schedule is incredibly weak so NO - not the best program. They must step up and upgrade the schedule to get that designation. They have a lot of great kids who work hard and play hard. It is not their fault the schedule maker does not challenge them.

 

[FB junkie]

If Helias could find someone with more creativity and football sense, they could be a force in Jefferson City once again. It's a shame we are headed down the same path as the Jays. It takes support from the players, coaches, administraton, and fans. If it's Ok to be a little better than 500, than so be it. !Jefferson City has athletes and desire to do more, but need to have the commitment from more than the guys on the field. Coach Walker uses the talents provided in a way that makes them successful. Enough said.

 

[TigerFalcon42]

Did Helias not improve from the season they had last year? They lost in the district championship, I believe. Are you saying that the coaching is better at BO that the other two programs you mentioned, or just the overall mentality for success?

 

[freezeoption]

remember blair oats is the best team in como

 

[hangmanbobbyjaggers]

If Helias could find someone with more creativity and football sense, they could be a force in Jefferson City once again. It's a shame we are headed down the same path as the Jays. It takes support from the players, coaches, administraton, and fans. If it's Ok to be a little better than 500, than so be it. !Jefferson City has athletes and desire to do more, but need to have the commitment from more than the guys on the field. Coach Walker uses the talents provided in a way that makes them successful. Enough said.

Helias is way down on the talent compared to the run they had when Coach Pitts was there. What path is it the Jays are headed down? It is a total line of crap to blame things on a weak schedule. By the way, Blair Oaks schedule was not that weak. Kids just did not play well and the game turned right before half when BO did not punch t he ball into the end zone. Hats off to all the coaches and players around the area. Especially the coaches who have to deal with know it all parents now days.

 

[FB junkie]

Did Helias not improve from the season they had last year? They lost in the district championship, I believe. Are you saying that the coaching is better at BO that the other two programs you mentioned, or just the overall mentality for success?

Both. Helias won 5 of the past 6 years with District Ch

Helias is way down on the talent compared to the run they had when Coach Pitts was there. What path is it the Jays are headed down? It is a total line of crap to blame things on a weak schedule. By the way, Blair Oaks schedule was not that weak. Kids just did not play well and the game turned right before half when BO did not punch t he ball into the end zone. Hats off to all the coaches and players around the area. Especially the coaches who have to deal with know it all parents now days.

The whole crap about talent is totally off. It is totally off as high school coaches have to take the talent they are given each year and use it to their ability. If you look at talent from last year, its amazing how many of those kids went on to play some sport in college.

This is not slam on BO at all about their schedule, but compliment to how their coach molded the team around their talents. I have read articles by Coach Walker and impressed on how he changes up game plan each week to adjust to competition.

You can tell you are a coach because it's never the coaches fault. If you follow any program at any level, the coaches are the key ingredients to success an particularly the Head Coach. You can have all blue chip players you want on a team, but its up to the coaches to mold them around a system to use the talent they are given. It seems Coach Walker has done that and continues to do it.

In order to also be successful, you have to have administration and those know it all parents and communities you referred to you that support you. You earn that support and its just not granted because you are the coach. No different than any leader of any organization.

In article that was on the KRCG website written by Tom Loeffler, a quote from a former Jays coach indicated that administration was OK with a subpar season. Not my words, but former coaches opinion. My fear is Helias is going down same path with acceptance of better than 500 and competition that is also less.