Three local prep football teams will look to secure a spot in a state championship game on Saturday.
CARTHAGE VS. FRANCIS HOWELL
In a clash between the top-ranked squads in Class 5, Carthage (11-1) entertains Francis Howell (12-0) at 1 p.m. on Saturday in a semifinal clash at David Haffner Stadium.
No. 1 in Class 5 by the Missouri Media, Carthage advanced to the semifinals with last Saturday’s convincing 35-14 win at Lebanon.
Carthage is in the semifinals for the first time since 2019, the year the Tigers won a state title.
The Tigers, who are led by senior running back Luke Gall and senior QB Cooper Jadwin, are averaging 41 points per game. Jon Guidie’s Tigers allow 15 points per game.
No. 2 Francis Howell handled Timberland 49-18 in their quarterfinal contest.
The undefeated Vikings, who moved down from Class 6 this season, are averaging 49 points per game while giving up 14 per contest.
The other Class 5 semifinal features Fort Osage (10-2) vs. Cape Girardeau Central (10-3).
The Class 5 state title game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Faurot Field in Columbia.
HOW TO WATCH: MSHSAA TV
SENECA AT LAMAR
This highly-anticipated rematch between Big 8 rivals will determine who plays for a state championship.
Lamar (11-1) hosts Seneca (11-1) at 1 p.m. on Saturday at O’Sullivan Stadium.
Of course, Seneca defeated Lamar 36-33 back in Week 4.
Since that loss, Lamar has reeled off eight straight wins, including last week’s dominant 54-0 victory over Holden in the quarterfinals.
The Tigers are averaging 47 points per game and allowing nine.
Seneca advanced to the semifinals with last week’s 28-14 win over Liberty.
Seneca is averaging 41.5 points per game and allowing 19 per contest. Seneca’s lone loss came to Nevada on Oct. 21 (49-14). Lamar beat Nevada 47-26.
The Indians are in the semifinals for the first time since 2013, while the Tigers are in this round for the third straight season.
The Lamar-Seneca winner will meet either Bowling Green (12-0) or Blair Oaks (12-0) in the Class 2 title game at 3 p.m. on Dec. 2 in Columbia.
Blair Oaks is the top-ranked team in Class 2, with Lamar third, Seneca fourth and Bowling Green sixth.
HOW TO WATCH: https://www.mshsaa.tv/?B=470999
