Kylee Verbeck

Walnut Grove, Mo. -- If Thursday night was supposed to be Walnut Grove’s first big Class 1 test of the season, they look like the early favorite for valedictorian. That’s a true statement both metaphorically and literally. The Tigers entered the season ranked No. 1 in Class 1 and, with Thursday’s win over previously undefeated and Class 1 No. 6-ranked Wheatland, have dug in deep to that pedestal.