According to a release from Springfield Public Schools, the members of the Central Ozark Conference approved the additions of Springfield Central, Glendale, Parkview, and Kickapoo to the conference for the 2024-25 school year.
Parkview and Central will play an independent football schedule, with the remaining sports and activities all participating in the Central Ozark Conference.
Separate reports also confirmed Waynesville and Lebanon joining the conference as well.
The COC now consists of Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, Neosho, Nixa, Republic, Willard, Ozark, Kickapoo, Glendale, Lebanon and Waynesville in football, with Parkview and Central joining in the remaining sports.
The press release confirmed that Hillcrest is moving to the Ozark Mountain Conference.
The COC high schools have the following enrollments: Joplin 1,664, Kickapoo 1,507, Nixa 1,478, Ozark 1,369, Carthage 1,232, Neosho 1,157, Republic 1,148, Lebanon 1,136, Waynesville 1,319, Glendale 1,098, Springfield Central* (1,075), Willard 1,061, Parkview* (1,026), and Webb City 1,011.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Carthage finished fourth, while Joplin was sixth and Webb City seventh at the SWMO Championships on Saturday.
The top four teams were Glendale (541), Kickapoo (371), Central (351) and Carthage (272).
Finishing fifth through 10th were West Plains (268), Joplin (202), Camdenton (194), Webb City (194), Nixa (180) and Monett (152). There were 20 full squads.
CARTHAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Kellen Frieling took third in the 100 backstroke and sixth in the 100 butterfly, while Will Wright placed third in both the 200 IM and the 100 breaststroke.
Braxton McBride finished fourth in the 50 free and 12th in the 100 free, while Maveric Allphin placed eighth in the 100 breaststroke and Noah Blackford was 10th in the 100 backstroke.
Carthage was second in the 200 medley relay, fifth in the 400 freestyle relay and eighth in the 200 freestyle relay.
JOPLIN HIGHLIGHTS
Joplin’s Nathan Wardlow won the 200 individual medley with a time of 2:00.
Wardlow was the runner-up in the 100 backstroke in 54.54 seconds.
Parker Hinman placed fifth in the 100 backstroke and eighth in the 100 butterfly.
Jackson Mordica took 11th in the 100 breaststroke and Ian Vermillion was 12th in the 100 fly.
The Eagles finished third in the 200 medley relay, seventh in the 400 free relay and ninth in the 200 freestyle relay.
WEBB CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Micah Brouwer finished sixth in two events, the 200 IM and the 100 breaststroke.
Aiden Patterson was 10th in the 500 freestyle, Dalton Spence was 10th in the 200 IM and Steve Kenlee took 10th in the 100 fly and 12th in the 200 free.
The Cardinals finished seventh in the 200 freestyle relay, eighth in the 200 medley relay and ninth in the 400 free relay.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Monett’s Ryan Goodson took third in both the 50 freestyle and the 100 free, while teammate Jayden Apostol was fifth in the 100 breaststroke.
Nevada’s Kolton Evans finished fourth in the 100 backstroke.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Webb City took the opening set and the third set only to see Jefferson City rally to even things up each time and send the Class 4 state quarterfinal match to an all-deciding fifth set, where the Jays took early control and held off the Cardinals for a 19-25, 27-25, 21-25, 25-23 and 15-13 win on Saturday.
With the win, Jeff City improves to 24-9 and plays the winner of St. Pius X and Parkway West.
The loss ends Webb City’s season with a 27-7 record. The Cardinals graduate seniors Sophia Crane, Aubree Lassiter, Makayla Mayes, Khloe Rhuems and Jadyn Catterson.
THE FINAL SET
Jeff City scored the first four points of the fifth set to take the momentum before Webb City used a kill from Jaeli Rutledge, an error on the Jays and an ace from Kirra Long to cut the deficit to 4-3.
The Jays and Cardinals traded to an 8-6 score before Jeff City ultimately went up 11-7.
Webb City rallied with a sideout kill from Long before Savannah Crane scored four straight points in service with kills coming from Lassiter and Mia Lenker to give the Cardinals a 12-11 lead.
Jeff City scored four of the final five points to rally back and advance to the Final Four.
HOW THEY GOT THERE
The Cardinals took command of the first set thanks to an early four-point run in service by Crane, which featured an ace and kills from Long and Lassiter, to lead 12-8. Back to back kills from Rutledge and Long later pushed the lead to 15-11 and another kills from Mayes later in the set pushed the advantage to 19-14. Long earned a block in front of a Lenker kill to make the score 22-17. Rutledge earned a kill later to make the score 24-18 and Long finished off the set moments later with a kill.
The Jays led 7-4 in the second set before Webb City used a block from Lassiter to side out before a four-point service run from Sophia Crane that included an ace and kills from Long and Lassiter propelled the Cardinals in front 9-7. Later, Webb City scored five of six points for a 17-14 lead.
After a kill from Mayes made the score 18-16, Jeff City scored four straight to lead 20-18 before Webb City answered with three straight points to regain the lead 21-20. The Cardinals held leads of 22-21, 23-22 and 25-24 before Jeff City scored the final three points to win the second set.
The third set was back and forth nearly the entire way until Webb City took the lead the final time on a three-point service run by Lenker that included a block by Rutledge for an 18-15 advantage.
After two points from the Jays, the Cardinals scored five of the next six points to lead 23-18 with a kill from Savannah Crane starting the surge off. Webb City put the third set away shortly after on two kills from Lassiter.
Webb City took the lead midway through the fourth 12-10 fueled by a pair of kills from Rutledge before Jeff City rallied with four straight points to regain the lead later at 15-13.
Webb City trailed 19-16 before a sideout followed by a kill from Long and an error on the Jays tied the game at 19s.
That game saw ties at 20, 21, 22 and 23-all, but the Jays scored the final two points to force a fifth set.
STATS
Rutledge had 17 kills and two blocks to lead Webb City, while Lassiter finished with 12 kills, three digs and a block. Long had 10 kills and five digs, while Savannah Crane had 36 assists and 14 digs to go along with five kills. Sophia Crane finished with 42 digs and three assists.
LAMAR, Mo. — McAuley Catholic is taking two full squads to the state cross country championships.
McAuley Catholic’s boys finished second and the girls placed third at the Class 1 District 2 meet on Saturday at Jeremy’s Creek Golf Course.
At the district meet, the top four teams and the top 30 individuals advanced to the state meet.
The top four boys teams were Hermitage (35), McAuley Catholic (74), School of the Ozarks (111) and Dadeville (117). Of course, the Warriors finished fourth in Class 1 last season.
“It is a great accomplishment to return to state,” McAuley Catholic coach Andy Youngworth said. “Last year was our first time qualifying for state, and I thought we handled the pressure of expecting to qualify this year very well.”
Marion C. Early’s Landon Duchscherer and McAuley Catholic’s Michael Parrigon were the top two finishers in the Class 1 boys race at Saturday’s district meet in Lamar. Courtesy photo.
On a chilly Saturday morning, McAuley junior Michael Parrigon was the district runner-up with a time of 16:35. Marion C. Early’s Landon Duchscherer took first in 15:59.
McAuley sophomore Trae Veer finished eighth in 17:45, while Jasper junior Leland Harris placed 14th in 17:55 and McAuley freshman Will Mollnow finished 17th in 18:03.
Thomas Jefferson had two individual state qualifiers, as junior Braden Honeywell-Lynch placed 19th (18:14) and freshman Liam Cook finished 29th (18:39).
Also for McAuley, Connor Taffner finished 31st, Alex Bohachick was 41st, Cliff Nolan placed 59th and Max Anreder was 62nd.
“We really had a few kids step up,” Youngworth said of his team’s performance. “Michael had a good early battle with the runner from Marion C. Early, but fell back a bit, forcing him to run alone most of the meet on a cold, windy day. All of our boys ran tough. Will Mollnow finished 17th. It was his best race of the year. Connor Taffner also ran well, as did Alex Bohachick, who benefitted from the cold conditions. Cliff Nolan and Max Anreder rounded out our top seven and were able to put together solid races in their first championship meet.”
Also competing for Thomas Jefferson were Spencer Long (32nd), Jack Twiss (34th), Ashan Appuhamy (57th), Ringo Snow (58th) and James Sheppard (76th).
McAuley’s girls also qualified its full team to state.
The top four girls teams were Chadwick (33), Liberal (47), McAuley Catholic (78) and School of the Ozarks (104).
Liberal freshman Ally Barton was the district medalist with a time of 20:11.
McAuley Catholic senior Kendall Ramsey placed fifth in 21:00, while freshman Olivia Parrigon was sixth in 21:12 and freshman Riley Sears took 27th in 23:30.
Also scoring points for McAuley were Marbellie Villanueva (41st) and Samantha Perrin (49th).
“Kendall Ramsey and Olivia Parrigon ran as expected, finishing fifth and sixth, respectively, and really had nice races,” Youngworth said. “Riley Sears ran her best race of the year, running almost a 90 second PR, and was key to our finish. Marbellie Villanueva struggled a bit in the middle of the race but finished well. Sam Perrin ran another good race and continues to gain confidence.”
Thomas Jefferson had a pair of qualifiers, as junior Macie Shifferd (22:40) and senior Sarah Mueller (22:53) finished 14th and 15th, respectively.
The McAuley Catholic girls cross country team poses after finishing third at the Class 1 District 2 meet in Lamar on Saturday. Courtesy photo.
CLASS 2
The College Heights Christian boys had three individual state qualifiers in Class 2, as Colton McMillan finished 11th in 18:27, Owen Horton placed 19th in 19:11 and Connor Jordan took 21st in 19:17.
Other local qualifiers were Diamond’s Wyatt Housh (14th), Purdy’s Logan Manwarren (16th) and Jayden Griffis (22nd) and Pierce City’s Joseph Leavitt (29th).
The top four boys teams were New Covenant (57), Mansfield (83), Alton (85) and Southwest (106). College Heights finished sixth with 133 points.
In the Class 2 girls race, Pierce City’s Emma Hunt placed third with a time of 20:28. New Covenant’s Clara Trent (19:29) and Ash Grove’s Millison Sapp (20:09) were the only runners to finish ahead of Hunt.
Also advancing with their top 30 finishes were Pierce City’s Lauren Blackburn (12th), Purdy’s Courtney Patterson (13th), Sarcoxie’s Laney Dorris (16th), Pierce City’s Ginger Leavitt (17th) and Sarcoxie’s duo of Lily Garrison (21st) and Ariel Wilson (22nd).
The qualifying girls teams were Sparta (39), Pierce City (59), Sarcoxie (73) and Mansfield (87).
CLASS 3
East Newton’s Chase Sorrell was the runner-up in the Class 3 boys race with a time of 16:02, as El Dorado Springs’ Wyatt Klaiber took first in 15:45.
Lamar’s Cameron Bailey and Ryder Friend finished sixth and seventh, while Aurora’s Carsen Gillam was 15th. East Newton’s Nicholas Shaeffer finished 18th and Pierce City’s Pierce Heins was 19th. Cassville’s Ethan Bohmke (21st), Michael Butts (25th) and Trever Garnett (28th) all advanced.
The top four boys teams were El Dorado Springs (35), Springfield Catholic (101), Lamar (118) and Strafford (143).
In the Class 3 girls race, Lamar’s Abigail Diggs finished third in 20:33 and Cassville’s Jadyn Williams-Reed placed fourth in 20:34.
Mount Vernon’s Rylee Simons took ninth, Lamar’s duo of LeiLani Toves and Carly Dunham were 13th and 16th and East Newton’s Brooklyn Blanchard finished 21st.
College Heights Christian’s Marla Anderegg finished 22nd and teammate Jesalin Bever was 27th to advance. Aurora’s Drew Mayes finished 23rd and Cassville’s Tori Mitchell took 29th.
Fair Grove’s Katrina Cantwell took first in 19:57.
The top four teams were Osage (94), Lamar (103), Clever (112) and Springfield Catholic (113).
NOTE: The MSHSAA Cross Country Championships for Class 1-2 is Nov. 3 at Gans Creek in Columbia, while the Class 3-5 races are scheduled for Nov. 4.
The McAuley Catholic boys cross country team took second in the team standings at the Class 1 District 2 meet on Saturday in Lamar. The top four teams advanced to the state championships in Columbia. Courtesy photo.
Jasper’s Leland Harris and McAuley’s Trae Veer are among the runners pictured competing at Saturday’s Class 1 District 2 meet in Lamar.
Class 1 District 2 Meet
Boys team standings: Hermitage 35, McAuley Catholic 74, School of the Ozarks 111, Dadeville 117, Thomas Jefferson 125, Blue Eye 168, Stoutland 178, Walnut Grove 198, Gloria Deo 223, Fair Play 231, Humansville 259.
Girls team standings: Chadwick 33, Liberal 47, McAuley Catholic 78, School of the Ozarks 104, Blue Eye 106, Hermitage 135, Gloria Deo 162.
NIXA, Mo. — The Carl Junction High School boys cross country team advanced to state after finishing fourth at the Class 4 District 2 meet on Saturday at the Inman Elementary School course.
At the district meet, the top four teams and the top 30 individuals advanced to the state meet.
The top four boys teams were West Plains (38), Bolivar (78), Helias Catholic (141) and Carl Junction (170).
Carl Junction’s Jack Lawson placed eighth in 16:27, while Isaac Willoughby was 12th in 16:39 and Luke Battagler finished 25th in 17:00.
Also competing for the Bulldogs were Nikash Yeary (60th), Alexander Allison (65th), Chance Golden (71st) and Jacob Garrett (83rd).
Marshfield’s Zach Mitchell was the medalist in 16:04.
Again, the top 30 runners advanced. McDonald County’s Caleb Garvin finished 33rd and Monett’s Kash Adams was 39th.
The Carl Junction girls had two individual state qualifiers, as Madilyn Dalton finished 27th in 21:07 and Marissa Newman placed 30th in 21:13.
Monett’s Mary Jastal just missed advancing after finishing 33rd. Carl Junction’s Delaney Harris finished 37th and teammate Audrey Fletcher was 40th. McDonald County’s top performer was Kate Cheney (48th).
Fulton’s Emery Mayfield was the district champ in 18:12.
The top four girls teams were Bolivar (46), West Plains (60), Jefferson City (114) and Fulton (121).
The MSHSAA Class 4 Cross Country Championships are scheduled for Nov. 4 at Gans Creek in Columbia.
NIXA, Mo. — Webb City’s girls and boys cross country teams advanced full squads to the state championships and Joplin had individual qualifiers in both races at the Class 5 District 2 meet on Saturday at Inman Elementary School.
At the district meet, the top four teams and the top 30 individuals advanced to the state meet.
The top four girls teams were Raymore-Peculiar (56), Webb City (97), Kickapoo (99) and Ozark (115).
Joplin senior Katherine Schaefer finished eighth in 19:12 to advance.
Webb City sophomore Brooke Hedger finished 11th in 19:20, while freshmen Emma McKinzie (19th), Olivia Klotz (20th) and Amelia Antillon (22nd) and senior Emily Countryman (25th) all recorded top 25 finishes to lead the Cardinals to the runner-up team showing.
Webb City’s sixth and seventh runners were Brooke Collard (52nd) and Rachel Miller (76th).
Among the local athletes unable to move on were Joplin’s Kyrie Britton (33rd), Carthage’s Maggie Boyd (41st) and Joplin’s Averi Burks (42nd).
Republic’s Gracie Troester was the girls medalist in 18:12.
The top four boys teams were Nixa (65), Raymore-Peculiar (88), Lee’s Summit (97) and Webb City (108).
Joplin junior Chance Tindall finished fifth in 15:36, while Webb City senior Evan Stevens was sixth in 15:39 and Joplin senior Ian Horton took seventh in 15:41.
Webb City’s Mason Hedger placed 16th in 16:05, Joplin’s Grey Edwards was 21st in 16:11 and Webb City’s duo of Andrew Dawson and Spencer Kendall finished 25th and 26th, respectively.
Webb City’s fifth runner was Noah Lankard (35th), while Fenton Rice (46th) and Dakota Grove (60th) were the Cardinals’ sixth and seventh runners.
Nixa’s Aaron Ashley was the district champ in 15:32.
Carthage’s Eddy Fuentes finished just outside of the top 30 in 33rd and Neosho’s Adam Farrell finished 53rd.
The MSHSAA Class 5 Cross Country Championships will be held on Nov. 4 at Gans Creek in Columbia.
ANDERSON, Mo. — Third-seeded McDonald County cruised to a 41-0 win over sixth-seeded Marshfield on Friday night in the quarterfinals of the Class 4 District 6 tournament.
The Mustangs (6-4) will travel to second-seeded West Plains (6-4) in next Friday’s semifinals. West Plains defeated seventh-seeded Monett 50-0.
McDonald County led 21-0 at the half in Friday’s quarterfinals.
The Mustangs added 20 unanswered points after the break.
CARTHAGE, Mo. — Third-seeded Carthage scored on its first six possessions and took a knee on its seventh en route to a convincing 42-3 victory over sixth-seeded Sedalia Smith-Cotton in the quarterfinals of the Class 5 District 7 football tournament on a chilly Friday night at David Haffner Stadium.
In a clash between Tigers that was played in a steady mist, Carthage built a comfortable 28-3 advantage by intermission on the way to a dominant win.
“That’s how we wanted the game to go tonight,” Carthage coach Jon Guidie said. “We felt like if we didn’t hurt ourselves with penalties and turnovers and if we were really good up front, then we would have success tonight. And we took care of all three of those areas. This win means a lot.”
Carthage’s ground attack proved tough to contain, as the hosts sustained drives all night.
“We wanted to come in and establish the run game, just like we try to do every week,” Guidie said. “It was working tonight. The offensive line played fantastic tonight. I have to give credit to those offensive line guys tonight.”
Carthage junior quarterback Brady Carlton scored three rushing touchdowns and passed for another against Sedalia Smith-Cotton on Friday in the district quarterfinals. Photo by Israel Perez.
Carthage went 71 yards on nine plays on the opening drive of the night. Junior quarterback Brady Carlton scored on a 4-yard touchdown run with 7:24 remaining in the first quarter to give the hosts an early 7-0 lead.
Smith-Cotton’s Brayden Butts connected a 42-yard field goal to get the visitors on the board.
However, it was Smith-Cotton’s only score of the night, as the Carthage defense pitched a shutout the rest of the way.
“Our defense was fantastic,” Guidie said. “They’ve got a really good running back (Mylan Hawkins) who has put up a lot of yards. He’s pretty elusive. I thought we were able to contain him and not let him get loose. Our kids covered the back end, too. I’m really proud of those guys.”
The hosts scored 21 unanswered points in the second period.
In fact, Carthage scored on the first play of the second quarter when junior running back Landyn Collins scampered into the end zone from 3 yards out. The touchdown capped a 10-play, 73-yard drive.
The PAT kick by junior Luis Fuentes made it 14-3 with 11:56 left in the second quarter.
Finishing off a 64-yard drive on eight plays, Carlton’s second touchdown of the night, this time from 2 yards out, made it 21-3 with 4:05 remaining in the first half.
After a Smith-Cotton punt, Carthage made it 4-for-4 on first half possessions, as Carlton’s 4-yard touchdown run up the middle with eight seconds left gave the hosts a 28-3 cushion.
After halftime, it was more of the same.
Carthage added a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter for the final margin.
Collins scored on a 1-yard run, finishing off a 12-play drive and giving the host Tigers a 35-3 lead.
With four seconds left in the third quarter, Carlton completed a 16-yard touchdown pass to junior Jackson Hettinger.
That was Carthage’s sixth score on six possessions.
Carthage’s Jackson Hettinger is pictured during Friday’s district quarterfinal matchup with Smith-Cotton. Hettinger hauled in a touchdown pass in his team’s 42-3 win.
Smith-Cotton (2-8) had a turnover on downs with eight minutes remaining in the game before the hosts took over possession and eventually ran out the clock.
With just under 30 seconds to play, Carthage took a knee near the 5-yard line. It was the only time a CHS drive didn’t result in a touchdown all game.
Carthage finished with 358 yards, with 320 rushing and 38 passing.
Smith-Cotton was limited to 72 yards, 44 rushing and 28 passing.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Defending district champion Carthage (6-4) will travel to second-seeded Raytown South (8-2) in the semifinals next Friday.
“We don’t know much about them, so we have a lot of work to do,” Guidie commented about his team’s next opponent. “That’s what fun about this time of the year. You get to see some new teams.”
Carthage has built plenty of momentum heading into the district semifinals, as the Tigers have won six of their last seven games.
“I’m just really proud of these guys,” Guidie said. “I’m happy for our kids and our coaches. When you have success like that, it just builds confidence in the kids. You can see it every single week. They’re not ready to be done yet.”
CLASS 5 DISTRICT 7 QUARTERFINALS
CARTHAGE 42, SMITH-COTTON 3
Smith-Cotton 3 0 0 0 — 3
Carthage 7 21 14 0 — 42
SCORING SUMMARY
CAR: Brady Carlton 4 run (Luis Fuentes kick)
SC: Brayden Butts 42 field goal
CAR: Landyn Collins 3 run (Fuentes kick)
CAR: Carlton 2 run (Fuentes kick)
CAR: Carlton 4 run (Fuentes kick)
CAR: Collins 1 run (Fuentes kick)
CAR: Jackson Hettinger 16 pass from Carlton (Fuentes kick).
Carthage junior running back Landyn Collins sprints past the Smith-Cotton defense during Friday’s game at Haffner Stadium. Collins scored a pair of touchdowns in his team’s 42-3 win.
Carthage’s Noah Norbury is pictured during Friday’s district quarterfinal contest against Smith-Cotton. Carthage won the game 42-3. Photo by Israel Perez.
CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — A bevy of early turnovers saw third-seeded Carl Junction grab the momentum and never look back en route to a 32-0 win over sixth-seeded Lincoln College Prep on Friday in the opening round of the Class 4 District 7 playoffs.
Carl Junction’s defense forced four turnovers in the first half and the offense took advantage, building a three-score lead by halftime. The Bulldogs continued to roll in the second half, outscoring the Blue Tigers 10-0 in the second half.
“Our conference schedule prepared us for tonight,” first-year Carl Junction coach Todd Hafner said. “We knew that we needed to be physical with them and play hard to match their energy. Our kids came out tonight fired up like I haven’t seen all year. It was so fun to watch them play with passion and energy and have fun. Our kids were outstanding tonight.”
Carl Junction (2-8) advances and hits the road to take on second-seeded Harrisonville on Friday in the district semifinals.
Both teams traded turnovers to start the game, with the Blue Tigers fumbling the opening possession before the Bulldogs were picked off on their first possession.
Lincoln College Prep continued the trend after QB Aaron Rimson VI fumbled the ball with Carl Junction LB Bentley Rowden collecting the loose ball for the change of possession.
Carl Junction made the most of its second possession, using the short field to get across the goal line with RB Johnny Starks scoring from a yard out with 8:34 on the clock for a 7-0 lead.
The Blue Tigers got down inside the 5-yard line before Carl Junction pushed them back into a fourth-and-goal interception by LB Kyler Stewart for a third straight forced turnover by the Bulldogs.
“Our kids were flying to the ball and really trying to create turnovers,” Hafner said. “I think Coach (Greg) Warlop and the defensive staff did a fantastic job of preparing our kids for what they were going to see. It was almost like we were ready for what they were going to run before they were. That’s attributed to what they did this week and I am proud of our kids.”
Carl Junction struck for the big play when RB Marcus Lopez-Durman ripped off a 57-yard run that set up a 4-yard touchdown run on a keeper from QB Dexter Merrell with 19 seconds left in the first quarter for a 14-0 advantage.
“He is different because he has a different burst than the other guys,” Hafner said of Lopez-Durman. “Once he gets through and finds a crease, he has a different gear.”
The Bulldogs’ defense, which wound up forcing five total turnovers in the win, came up with a big play of their own when Rimson VI was intercepted by Starks, who returned the ball 35 yards for a pick-6 touchdown with 4:15 left in the first half. Merrell scored on a keeper on the ensuing 2-point conversion to give CJHS a 22-0 lead.
“I can’t say enough great things about that young man,” Hafner said. “Johnny Starks is one of the best football players in the area. He made a great play on the ball. We did a good job of blocking once he caught it, and then it was him just getting into the end zone.
“It was a great play at an important part of the ball game. It kept our energy moving. We were starting to get a little low, but plays like that change a game and it changed the game tonight.”
Carl Junction added a touchdown with 10:09 left in the game when Merrell took advantage of a short field and scored on a keeper from 15 yards out to make the score 29-0.
LB Tony Stewart picked off Rimson VI with less than nine minutes to play in the game for the Bulldogs’ fifth forced turnover of the game.
Once again, CJ turned the turnover into points when PK Gavin Cowger drilled a 40-yard field goal with 7:08 left to push the lead to 32-0.
RAYTOWN, Mo. — Second-seeded Raytown South took the early lead and never gave it up on the way to a 35-14 win over seventh-seeded Neosho in the Class 5 District 7 opening round of action on Friday.
Raytown South scored first and used three unanswered touchdowns to take a 21-0 lead into the intermission. Neosho got on the board first in the second half, but it was all Raytown South from there on the way to the win.
Raytown South advances to take on third-seeded Carthage on Friday in the district semifinals.
Neosho’s season ends with a 1-9 record. The Wildcats graduate 15 seniors.
After Raytown South marched down the field for a touchdown from Mylen Simmons on the first possession of the game for a 7-0 lead, the Cardinals went up 13-0 by the end of the first quarter after Marcus Neal Jr. scored from 2 yards out at the 17-second mark.
Simmons added a 2-yard touchdown run for Raytown South with 39 seconds left in the first half with Logan Lanear hauling in the reception to convert the 2-point try for a 21-0 lead by the intermission.
Neosho got on the scoreboard first in the second half for the Wildcats’ first score of the game. The Wildcats used a 6-yard touchdown pass from QB Quenton Hughes to WR Hudson Williams with 6:51 on the clock to trim Neosho’s deficit to 21-7.
Raytown South answered the Neosho score with a 3-yard touchdown run by Simmons late in the third quarter to push the lead to 28-7.
Simmons added his fourth touchdown of the night with less than eight minutes to play in the fourth quarter to give Raytown South a 35-7 lead.
Hughes connected for a 30-yard touchdown pass late to make the score 35-14 with less than two minutes to play in the game.
Thomas Jefferson, Diamond and Mount Vernon all suffered losses in their respective sectional volleyball matchups on Thursday night, while Jasper won its sectional contest, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Class 1 state tournament.
CLASS 1: CAVALIERS FALL, EAGLES ADVANCE
GALENA, Mo. — Thomas Jefferson’s stellar season came to an end.
Galena topped Thomas Jefferson 3-1, as the Bears beat the Cavaliers 26-24, 15-25, 26-24, 25-9.
Thomas Jefferson ends the season with a record of 24-8.
In Thursday’s loss, Thomas Jefferson’s Lannah Grigg compiled 15 kills, nine digs and seven blocks, while Gabbi Hiebert contributed 20 digs, 11 kills and six blocks and Leah Studer handed out 23 assists to go along with 14 digs.
Thomas Jefferson’s Maggie Sutton had 15 digs, Mary Nguyen contributed 10 assists and 10 digs and Nayab Rehman contributed 10 digs.
In another Class 1 sectional, Jasper defeated Archie 3-0 (25-7, 25-19, 25-15).
Jasper (35-1-1) plays at Galena (34-1-1) at 3 p.m. on Saturday in a Class 1 quarterfinal.
CLASS 2: DIAMOND SUFFERS SEASON-ENDING SETBACK
DIAMOND, Mo. — El Dorado Springs defeated Diamond 3-1 in a Class 2 sectional on Thursday.
The Bulldogs beat the Wildcats 25-23, 25-15, 24-26, 25-11.
Diamond finishes the ’23 season with a record of 33-5-1.
El Dorado Springs (28-7-1) takes on Fair Grove (32-1-2) in the quarterfinals.
CLASS 3: MOUNT VERNON UNABLE TO ADVANCE
MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. — Mountain Grove defeated Mount Vernon in straight sets—26-24, 25-20, 25-15.
Mount Vernon ends the season with a record of 20-12-4.
Mountain Grove (26-4-2) meets Clever (30-5-3) in Saturday’s quarterfinals.
Members of the Central Ozark Conference have approved the admittance of Glendale and Kickapoo into the conference, beginning with the 2024-25 school year.
Nixa High School released a press release on Thursday morning confirming the additions to the COC.
“We are excited to welcome the Chiefs and Falcons into the COC and look forward to future competitions,” the press release stated.
Glendale and Kickapoo are both moving into the COC from the Ozark Conference.
With the addition of Glendale and Kickapoo, all of the COC schools have an enrollment over 1,000.
According to the press release, the COC high schools have the following enrollments: Joplin 1,664, Kickapoo 1,507, Nixa 1,478, Ozark 1,369, Carthage 1,232, Neosho 1,157, Republic 1,148, Glendale 1,098, Willard 1,061 and Webb City 1,011.
VERONA, Mo. — Top-seeded Thomas Jefferson defeated second-seeded College Heights Christian 3-1 on Tuesday night in the championship match of the Class 1 District 10 tournament.
The Cavaliers topped the Cougars 25-22, 25-21, 19-25, 25-19.
With the win, Thomas Jefferson (24-7) will travel to District 9 champion Galena (33-1-1) on Thursday night for a sectional contest of the Class 1 state tournament, with match time set for 6:30 p.m.
In the win over the Cougars, Lannah Grigg recorded 17 kills, 10 blocks, seven digs and five aces, while Gabbi Hiebert compiled 18 kills, 16 digs and seven blocks.
Thomas Jefferson’s Leah Studer had 30 assists and eight digs, while Mary Nguyen contributed 25 digs and 15 assists.
Also for Emily Burdick’s Cavaliers, Macie Shifferd had nine kills and seven digs, Nayab Rehman had 14 digs and Marley Flanagan contributed four kills and two blocks.
For the Cougars, Maddy Colin compiled 35 assists, six kills, four aces and two blocks, while Bailey Peeples contributed 22 kills.
College Heights’ Lilly Plassman recorded 44 digs, Toryn Fink had 11 kills and Allie Stout contributed 17 digs and four aces.
The Cougars end the season with a record of 16-13-4. The team’s seniors were Colin, Christa Miller and Katherine Moss.
The Thomas Jefferson Cavaliers pose with the district championship plaque on Tuesday night in Verona. Courtesy photo.
THURSDAY’S OTHER SECTIONALS
In another Class 1 sectional, Jasper (34-1-1) hosts Archie (17-11) at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Jasper defeated Liberal 25-21, 25-11, 25-19 in the championship match of the Class 1 District 11 tournament on Monday night.
In Class 2, Diamond (33-4-1) hosts El Dorado Springs (27-7-1) at 6:30 on Thursday night in the sectional round of the state tournament.
Diamond captured the District 11 championship by beating Miller 3-0. El Dorado Springs defeated Skyline 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-19) to win the District 12 championship.
In a Class 3 sectional, Mount Vernon (20-11-4) meets Mountain Grove (25-4-2) on Thursday night.
Mount Vernon captured a district title on Tuesday by beating Nevada 3-1 (27-25, 25-19, 18-25, 28-26).
The Ozark Mountain Conference has announced its approval of Hillcrest High School’s application to compete during the 2024-2025 school year.
The OMC now includes Branson, Bolivar, Carl Junction, Hillcrest, Rogersville, Marshfield and West Plains. The OMC district superintendents have agreed that Hillcrest will be the final member to join the new conference for the 2024-2025 school year.
Springfield-based Hillcrest currently competes in the Ozark Conference.
The Ozark Mountain Conference brings together districts that are similar in enrollment numbers, community beliefs, and district characteristics, a press release said.
The OMC superintendents note that the formation of the new Ozark Mountain Conference enables their schools to strengthen activity and athletic programs while improving student-athletes.
For the remainder of this school year, the seven schools will work collaboratively in preparation for competing in the new Ozark Mountain Conference during the 2024-25 school year.
VERONA, Mo. — Top-seeded Thomas Jefferson and second-seeded College Heights both won their respective Class1 District 10 semifinal volleyball matches on Monday and will play each other at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Verona High School for the district title.
THOMAS JEFFERSON 3, VERONA 1
Thomas Jefferson faced adversity early after dropping the second set but rebounded to beat fifth-seeded Verona, with the Cavaliers knocking off the Wildcats 25-23, 22-25, 25-20 and 25-14.
Gabbi Hiebert had 16 kills, five blocks and three digs, while Lannah Grigg had 12 kills, seven blocks, eight aces and four digs. Maggie Sutton had 25 digs. Maci Shifferd had seven kills and four digs, while Mary Nguyen had 17 assists, 12 digs and a kill, while Leag Studer had 20 assists, five digs and four kills. Nayab Rehman had nine digs, while Marley Flanagan added three kills.
COLLEGE HEIGHTS 3, MCAULEY 0
College Heights made quick of third-seeded McAuley Catholic, knocking off the Warriors 25-9, 25-19 and 25-17 in its semifinal matchup.
Maddy Coin finished with 23 assists, six kills and five aces, while Bailey Peeples finished with 14 kills. Lilly Plassman had 24 digs, while Toryn Fink added seven kills in the win.
District tournaments begin across the state of Missouri on Friday.
Below is a look at district tournaments of local interest.
Joplin’s Cordell Washington attempts to tackle Carthage’s Noah Norbury during the Week 8 matchup. File photo.
CLASS 6 DISTRICT 5
Joplin is the No. 3 seed for the Class 6 District 5 tournament.
The Eagles (6-3) have a first round bye this week and will travel to second-seeded Kickapoo (8-1) on Nov. 3 for a semifinal contest.
This Friday’s lone district quarterfinal features fourth-seeded Waynesville (2-7) against fifth-seeded Ozark (1-8).
Top-seeded and Central Ozark Conference champion Nixa (9-0) awaits the Waynesville-Ozark winner in the semifinals on Nov. 3.
The district title game is scheduled for Nov. 10.
CLASS 5 DISTRICT 7
Webb City (7-2) is the top seed for the Class 5 District 7 tournament.
The Cardinals have a first-round bye and don’t play this Friday. Webb City will host the winner of the 4 vs. 5 matchup on Nov. 3.
This Friday’s quarterfinals feature No. 4 Belton (5-4) vs. No. 5 Ruskin (2-7), No. 2 Raytown South (7-2) entertaining No. 7 Neosho (1-8) and No. 3 Carthage (5-4) hosting No. 6 Smith-Cotton (2-7).
The Raytown South-Neosho winner will meet the Carthage-Smith-Cotton winner in the semifinals on Nov. 3.
CLASS 4 DISTRICT 7
Nevada (7-2) is the top seed and has a first-round bye.
In Friday’s quarterfinals, fourth-seeded Grandview (3-6) meets fifth-seeded Center (2-7), second-seeded Harrisonville (5-4) takes on seventh-seeded KC Southeast (1-7) and third-seeded Carl Junction (1-8) hosts sixth-seeded Lincoln College Prep (3-6).
Lincoln College Prep’s six losses are all by forfeit after the Blue Tigers used an ineligible player.
CLASS 4 DISTRICT 6
In Friday’s quarterfinals, fourth-seeded Rogersville (4-5) takes on fifth-seeded Hillcrest (1-8), second-seeded West Plains (5-4) hosts seventh-seeded Monett (0-9) and third-seeded McDonald County (5-4) entertains sixth-seeded Marshfield (2-7).
Top-seeded Bolivar (6-3) awaits the Rogersville-Hillcrest winner in the semifinals on Nov. 3.
If the Mustangs can win on Friday, they’d take on either West Plains or Monett in the semifinals on Nov. 3.
CLASS 3 DISTRICT 6
Undefeated Seneca (9-0) is the top seed for the Class 3 District 6 tournament. The Indians have a first-round bye.
In Friday’s quarterfinals, fourth-seeded Cassville (5-4) takes on fifth-seeded Aurora (5-4), second-seeded Mount Vernon (8-1) plays seventh-seeded Hollister (0-9) and third-seeded Reeds Spring (6-3) meets sixth-seeded East Newton (2-7).
Seneca will host the Cassville-Aurora winner in the semifinals on Nov. 3.
CLASS 2 DISTRICT 5
Lamar (8-1) is the No. 1 seed and has a first-round bye.
In Friday’s quarterfinals, fourth-seeded Sarcoxie (8-1) hosts fifth-seeded Diamond (5-4), second-seeded Adrian (9-0) entertains seventh-seeded Stockton (4-5) and third-seeded Butler (8-1) meets sixth-seeded El Dorado Springs (3-6).
Lamar will host the Sarcoxie-Diamond winner in the semifinals on Nov. 3.
8-MAN DISTRICT 1
College Heights Christian is the No. 2 seed.
In Friday’s quarterfinals, fourth-seeded Greenfield (2-6) plays fifth-seeded Jasper (0-9).
In the semifinals on Nov. 3, top-seeded Lockwood-Golden City (7-2) meets either Greenfield or Jasper and second-seeded College Heights (6-3) hosts third-seeded Liberal-Bronaugh (3-6) at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.
