It’s only a few hours until kickoff for the Class 5 and 6 semifinals, and while I apologize for not getting these out sooner, after a 19-5 record last week, including losing 2 games that came down to the final possession, Rock-Blue Springs and Log-Rog-Cassville, here are my predictions for the semifinal games, Classes 1-6. Enjoy and please send comments to freddavis@coachesaid.com...
Class 1
Wellington-Napoleon at Hamilton-Penny
Fred Says: I like Penney in this game for the simple fact they’ve beaten up on Orrick already, they handled Mid-Buchanan with ease, and with that running game coming back to life after that ugly game against Braymer to start the playoffs, Quinton Bainbridge and crew’s season ends just shy of the dome
Valle Catholic at Tipton
Fred Says: This is a tough game to call, but hey, it’s the semifinals of the playoffs, none of these games are easy to predict. That said, I like Tipton and Tony Braby to finally break through and make it to the Show-Me Bowl. This is the third year in a row the Cardinals have made it to the semis, and with Marcus Brinkley, I like the Cardinals to finally get to St. Louis.
Class 2
Brentwood at Centralia
Fred Says: Centralia is simply too good, and that’s not a shot at Brentwood, but this Panther team has been decimating teams since September, and with the way this group can run and throw, it is one of the more balanced offenses I’ve seen in any class this year, and with they way they defend, swarming to the ball, I like Centralia to make it to the Dome next weekend.
Lamar at Maryville:
Fred Says: The Spoofhounds have been on the march all season to avenge last season’s Show-Me Bowl loss and with the way this defense is playing, I don’t see Lamar hanging around. Gavin Talmadge and crew roll into St. Louis.
Class 3
Bowling Green at Priory
Fred Says: Considering this game is at Priory, and the Rebels have been on one of the more exciting upset rides throughout this postseason, I’m going with Bowling Green to win this game because their defense will continue to play well and I don’t expect the offense to turn the ball over the way it did against Mexico.
O’Hara at Cassville
Fred Says: The defending champs did what championship teams do, and that’s put together game-winning drives in the fourth quarter, as they did against Logan-Rogersville last Saturday. Cassville is at home this time and given the close contests that O’Hara has found itself in, that string of good fortune runs out against the Champs.
Class 4
Sikeston at Helias
Fred Says: I know the Sikeston defense has been playing some really good ball as of late, but the Helias offense is good, real good, and with Brad Wilson playing at a high level all season, the Crusaders are another one of those teams that while sure they can run the ball well, they can also throw it well when they need to. Helias wins by 10.
Kearney at Webb City
Fred Says: Kearney is playing great football right now, but, so is Webb City. And yes, I picked Webb City to get upset by Bolivar last week, and this week, well, I’m picking against the Cardinals again. I like the Bulldogs defense, I like the run they’re on during these playoffs, but most importantly, I like Joe Windsor, the senior D-End for Greg Jones group who is still hurting from last year’s 14-7 loss to Webb City in the semis. That won’t happen this year.
Class 5
Raytown South at Fort Osage
Fred Says: This game will come down to whoever has the ball last, and, a little home-cooking. Fort Osage has a ridiculous following, and the Indian fans out-numbered the Ray-Pec fans last week, which wouldn’t have been a big deal if the game wasn’t at Ray-Pec! Oh, and I forgot about the Ed Pearl-EJ Gaines combination too. Fort, but close.
Webster Groves at Parkway North
Fred Says: Parkway North Head Coach Bob Bunton called Webster Groves a team of destiny considering the last-second, 80-yard touchdown pass that the Statesmen needed to win over Chaminade last Saturday. He also said not to count out his Viking team as they try to make it to their first Show-Me Bowl in school history. The game is at Parkway North, the Vikings lost a 20-14 game to WG in week four of the season, so these two teams are evenly-matched and know each other well. I like the talent WG has, but its run of close calls will end tonight. Parkway North punches its first ticket to a Show-Me Bowl.
Class 6
Oakville at Hazelwood Central
Fred Says: This game will be close, and Oakville will be in a position to win late. But, for Rich Nixon’s group, his team has been there before, and the defending Class 6 champs, riding Kerry Gibson, will win a close one late.
DeSmet at Blue Springs
Fred Says: Do I have to pick a winner? Yes Fred. I’ve seen both teams play, and I’m impressed by what both teams do extremely well – run and throw the ball effectively, don’t turn the ball over and make great adjustments at halftime. That said, it’s going to come down to what quarterback makes the most plays, and while Steve Kaiser makes a lot of them and has all season, Jared Lanpher and his supporting cast are the best that DeSmet has seen all season, and while this game will be close, the Wildcats will squeak out a close one against the Spartans.
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