Before I go any further, THESE ARE NOT A HEAD-TO-HEAD RANKING, BUT A RANKING OF DOMINANCE BY CLASS. I am not saying I think the Class 1 schools on this list could beat all the Class 4-6 teams ranked below them or not ranked.
STATE FOOTBALL RANKINGS – CLICK HERE
WEEK 6 FOOTBALL REWIND – CLICK HERE
CONFERENCE FOOTBALL STANDINGS – CLICK HERE
DISTRICT FOOTBALL STANDINGS – CLICK HERE
1. Lamar (C2 – 6-0)
Lamar had its best offensive game of the year in terms of points scored with a 63-7 win over Mt. Vernon on Friday. On the season, Lamar’s defense has yielded just 52 total points. The Tigers’ tough schedule that sees them playing up each week has them comfortably in front of fellow unbeaten Fair Grove in the district standings with 58 points to Fair Grove’s 48.87 points. Lamar travels to face one-win Monett this week.
2. Joplin (C6 – 6-0)
Joplin started a little slow at Republic, but turned things on in the second half to pull away for a 45-14 win to set up an undefeated showdown with Carthage this Friday. Always Wright completed 14 passes for 165 yards and 3 touchdowns to go with 3 carries for 79 yards and another touchdown. The defense was strong with three turnovers (two fumbles and one interception). This Friday is the game SWMO has been waiting for since Carthage beat Webb City. Class 5 No. 2 Carthage travels to face Class 6 No. 3 Joplin.
3. Carthage (C5 – 6-0)
Carthage rolled by winless Willard in a 42-7 decision to move to 6-0. The Tigers have yet to play a game within 28 points this year. That could all change on Friday when the Tigers travel to face unbeaten Class 6 No. 3 Joplin in the game of the week in the state. Control of the Central Ozark Conference is on the line.
4. Lebanon (C5 – 6-0)
Lebanon picked up THE statement win of the Week 6 beating West Plains 44-34. The Yellowjackets proved to be the more physical teamed and dominated at the line with running back Cade Muscia going for more than 250 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. The Yellowjackets can’t celebrate for long, as they host rival Camdenton this week. The Lakers are 5-1 with their one loss coming to West Plains. A win for Lebanon will almost guarantee an Ozark Conference title.
5. Marionville (C1 – 6-0)
Marionville’s defense yielded points for the first time since Week 1, but it didn’t matter in the final result. The Comets beat Pierce City 50-14 to move to 6-0 on the season. Wil Carlton completed 15 passes for four touchdowns and 158 yards. Dakota Wilson took 21 carries for 160 yards and one touchdown. The defense pulled down three interceptions including two by Blaine Young. This week, Marionville travels to face the only other unbeaten Southwest Conference team in Sarcoxie. The Bears are 5-1 on the season and 3-0 in conference.
6. West Plains (C4 – 5-1)
The Zizzers took a tough 44-34 loss on the road at Lebanon. I am keeping them in front of Nixa for now because, in class, West Plains is still the obvious best team in the area for Class 4. Nixa has a loss to Class 6 Joplin on the schedule, which is not only in class but in district. West Plains was able to move the ball against Lebanon with Dagen Kenslow throwing for 235 yards and four touchdowns while carrying the ball 12 times for 125 yards. As a team, West Plains rushed for 201 yards. The Zizzers will look to get back to their winning ways against Parkview in their final home game of the season.
7. Nixa (C6 – 5-1)
Nixa started slowly against rival Ozark in the Backyard Brawl trailing the Tigers 21-14 after one quarter. After that, the Eagles settled in and scored 21 points unanswered to win 35-21 and move to 5-1 on the season. Spencer Ward had another huge game running the ball with 218 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. This week, Nixa welcomes in Webb City with the Eagles needing a win and a Carthage win over Joplin to stay alive in the race for at least a share of the conference title.
8. Fair Grove (C2 – 6-0)
The potent Fair Grove offense was at it again in Week 6 in a 58-20 win over rival Strafford. The Eagles made it six straight wins and eight of their last nine over the Indians. Fair Grove hits the road for a tough test against Class 3 Buffalo (4-2). The Bison have won two of their last three over Fair Grove.
9. Ava (C2 – 6-0)
Ava beat Houston 42-7 in Week 6. The Bears defense allowed just 108 yards of total offense. On offense, Ava rushed for 367 yards and five touchdowns with freshman Hunter Adams carrying the ball 16 times for 148 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Zach Richards rushed 12 times for 118 yards and two touchdowns while throwing for 46 yards and another touchdowns. This week, the SCA is on the line with Thayer (5-1 overall, 4-0 in conference) coming to visit Ava. Ava had won four straight over the Bobcats before falling 43-6 to Thayer last season.
10. Webb City (C5 – 4-2)
Webb City was fairly balanced offensively in a 38-0 win over Branson in Week 6. Landon Johnson threw for 132 yards and a touchdown on 8-for-10 passing while the team rushed for 173 yards and four touchdowns on 31 carries. The Cardinals travel to face Nixa this week.
