Class 4 District 5 - Round Two

[Mister_Wizard]

#5 seed Bolivar (6-4) at #1 Carl Junction (8-2)
The Liberators, who started the season 0-3, whipped Hillcrest 55-24 to open district play. 6-6 tight end Brandon Emmert hauled in 10 catches for 160 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Libs' offense comes to CJ on a roll but now faces a stingy defense that has allowed roughly two touchdowns per game in the mostly class 5 large COC. Not sure but the last meeting between these two may have been around 2003 in the class 3 state quarterfinals, with CJ winning that nail biter in Bolivar.

#6 West Plains (5-5) at #2 Webb City (7-3)
The Zizzers scored a late touchdown Friday against 3-seed Camdenton, pulling to within 28-27. West Plains chose to go for two and made it, giving them some nice momentum heading to Webb. The Zizzers' primary offensive weapon is running back Keagan Hoopes, who has rushed for over 2,000 yards and 30+ TDs this year. Webb's D is tough against the run, and they'll look to end the Zizzers season for the second straight year at the home of the Cardinals.

 

[Liberator Dad]

I would love to see my Liberators pull this out at CJ but, I think reality sets in on Friday night.

 

[translaker]

I would love to see my Liberators pull this out at CJ but, I think reality sets in on Friday night.

Bolivar has a shot. Obviously the computer messed up on the seeding of this district, because #5 Hillcrest was no match for #4 Bolivar.

 

[mizzoutiger13]

Honestly I think the eye test favored Hillcrest for most as well. Seemingly tougher schedule and a similar record as well. Oh well. Can't decide between which game to check out.

 

[Missouri Kid]

Have absolutely nothing against Bolivar or West Plains and have no dog in the fight but just think it would be interesting to see CJ and Webb back on the same field as game one of the season.

 

[translaker]

If you're going to have a computer seed the districts then the formula needs to be changed. I think the games that are played later in the season should be weighted more heavily than the earlier games. Most high school teams improve as the season progresses, and a result in week 1 isn't as meaningful as a result in week 9, in my opinion.

 

[Liberator Dad]

Bolivar is a team that could easily just have one loss on the season to Ozark. It really depends on whether or not they can put together four solid quarters of mistake free football. That's what it will take to keep it close. CJ and Webb love to make you pay for your mistakes.

 

[Blue8505]

CJ has a tremendous defense, and just like the game against Ozark, Bolivar is going to have a tough time moving the ball. I would love for it to be a close game but the Libs will have to be on their A game.
Bolivar is definitely a better team than their 0-3 start though. They had late leads against C5 Republic and Willard but just too many mistakes with a mostly young team and coach. Too cocky against Reeds thinking they could just show up and get the W.

 

[Cards1968]

If you're going to have a computer seed the districts then the formula needs to be changed. I think the games that are played later in the season should be weighted more heavily than the earlier games. Most high school teams improve as the season progresses, and a result in week 1 isn't as meaningful as a result in week 9, in my opinion.

Just curious, how would you weight the games? At what point in the season are the teams ready for things to really count?

We're not talking about the difference between making the tournament or not, we're talking about seeding. Leave the points system alone. It works for it's intended purpose.

 

[cards64870]

I think CJ and Webb both win but then it's a toss up. Webb can play with anyone if they hold onto the ball but you don't know if that's going to happen week in and week out.

 

[MoSooner69]

CJ has a tremendous defense, and just like the game against Ozark, Bolivar is going to have a tough time moving the ball. I would love for it to be a close game but the Libs will have to be on their A game.
Bolivar is definitely a better team than their 0-3 start though. They had late leads against C5 Republic and Willard but just too many mistakes with a mostly young team and coach. Too cocky against Reeds thinking they could just show up and get the W.

I tend to think it was a little more than that against Reeds Spring. The Wolves had a lot to do with that.

 

[Mister_Wizard]

Anxious for tomorrow night to get here. I believe Bolivar will put at least 21 on the board with their quality, veteran skill players, but probably not 30. The Liberators reaching the 30's could spell doom for CJ.

Am also hoping neither CJ or Webb are looking ahead to the big rematch, with high quality opponents coming to town this week.

 

[ChaoticFanatic]

Speaking of.... I'm assuming that there will be a webcast for the West Plains/Webb game?