In another Class 2 quarterfinal featuring an area squad, Lamar (10-1) travels to Holden (8-3) for a 1 p.m. kickoff on Saturday.
Lamar blasted Fair Grove 56-6 in the district championship game, while Holden knocked off Pembroke Hill 32-25 to advance.
The Tigers, last year’s state runner-up, are averaging 46 points per contest and allowing just 10 points per game. The Eagles score 33 per game and allow 19 per contest.
Lamar is no stranger to this round. In fact, the Tigers are in the quarterfinals for the 14th straight season.
The Lamar-Holden winner meets the Seneca-Liberty winner in the semifinals.
LAMAR, Mo. — Lamar jumped out to a commanding lead and never looked back in a 56-6 win over Fair Grove in the Class 2 District 5 title game on Friday.
The Tigers scored three times in the first quarter for a 22-0 lead and added three more scores in the second quarter for a 43-0 lead by the intermission. With the second units in to start the second half, Lamar continued to separate from Fair Grove in the second half before the Eagles got on the scoreboard in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter.
Lamar improves to 10-1 on the season and advances to the Class 2 state quarterfinal round where the Tigers hit the road for a matchup against Holden (8-3). It is the Tigers’ 14th consecutive trip to the quarterfinal round.
Lamar, which rushed for over 500 yards in the win, opened the game with the possession and marched right down the field for a touchdown when Joel Beshore broke loose for a 10-yard score with 8:04 on the clock in the first period for a 7-0 lead.
After Fair Grove punted on its first possession, the Tigers used a 37-yard run from Beshore to set up a 27-yard rushing touchdown by Terrill Davis to push the lead to 14-0 with 5:55 to play in the first quarter.
The Eagles found themselves in Lamar territory nine plays into their ensuing drive when Ian Ngugi picked off a Fair Grove pass for the game’s first turnover.
The Tigers’ offense didn’t need long to make the most of the extra possession when Davis ripped off a 70-yard touchdown before Hunter Lundine rushed in for the following two-point conversion for a 22-0 lead with 1:57 left in the first quarter.
Lamar picked up right where they left off in the second quarter after Beshore scrambled for a 20-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 29-0 with 10:29 left in the first half.
After the third punt of the first half by the Eagles, the Tigers added to their lead when Ty Wilhite capped off a long drive with a 2-yard rushing score to push the margin to 36-0 with 6:01 left in the second period.
Lamar was able to get into the end zone one more time just before halftime when Cooper Haun rushed in from 3 yards out with 18 seconds on the clock before the intermission for a 43-0 lead.
With the second units in to start the second half, Fair Grove turned it over on the first possession of the third quarter when Lamar’s Tate Ansley picked off a pass for a change of possession.
The Tigers turned the turnover into an Aiden Sheat 31-yard rushing touchdown on a jet sweep to balloon the lead to 50-0 with 9:28 left in the third quarter.
The Eagles looked like they might get on the scoreboard on the next possession only for a fumble by Brock Bruner at the end of a long reception to give the ball back to Lamar deep in its own territory.
Lamar pushed the lead to 56-0 when Logan Kish plowed in from a yard out with 11:51 left in regulation.
Fair Grove got on the board with 3:11 left in regulation on a 4-yard reception by Maddux Smith to make the score 56-6.
Five area high school football teams will play for a district championship on Friday night.
All of Friday’s games are scheduled for 7 p.m.
District champions advance to the quarterfinal round of the state tournament.
CARTHAGE VS. REPUBLIC
Top-seeded Carthage (9-1) will host third-seeded Republic (8-3) in the championship game of the Class 5 District 6 tournament at David Haffner Stadium.
In the semifinals, Carthage defeated No. 5 Willard 41-21, while Republic upset No. 2 Webb City 30-21. It was Republic’s first-ever win over Webb City.
Ranked first in Class 5 by the Missouri Media, Carthage is scoring 43 points per game and allowing just 15. Republic is averaging 38 points per game, while giving up 29.
The two teams met way back on Aug. 26 in the season opener, with Carthage claiming a 56-26 win.
After falling to Webb City in district title games in both ’21 and ’20, Carthage is looking to capture a district title for the first time since 2019, a year the Tigers went on to win a state championship.
Jon Guidie’s Tigers are looking to win a district championship for the seventh time in nine years.
The Carthage-Republic winner will meet either Lebanon or Camdenton in the quarterfinals on Nov. 19.
NEVADA AT CENTER
In the title game of Class 4 District 7, third-seeded Nevada (9-2) travels to Kansas City to take on top-seeded Center (10-0).
Center defeated No. 5 Carl Junction 33-6 in the semifinals, while Nevada knocked off No. 2 Lincoln College Prep 43-7.
The Tigers, who beat No. 6 Harrisonville 42-21 in the quarterfinals, are scoring 45 points per game and allowing just 15.
The Yellowjackets score 52 points a game and give up just 14.
Center is ranked fourth in Class 4, while Nevada is ranked ninth.
The winner of this game meets either Kearney or Smithville in the quarterfinals on Nov. 19.
LAMAR VS. FAIR GROVE
Top-seeded Lamar (9-1) is hosting third-seeded Fair Grove (7-4) for the Class 2 District 5 crown at Thomas M. O’Sullivan Stadium.
Lamar beat No. 4 Stockton 56-10 in the semifinals, while Fair Grove knocked off No. 2 Warsaw 22-14.
Ranked third in Class 2, Lamar is scoring 45 points per game and allowing 10.5. Fair Grove scores 37 points a game and gives up 25.
Lamar, last year’s state runner-up, has won six straight games since their lone loss, a 36-33 setback at Seneca on Sept. 16.
The Lamar-Fair Grove winner takes on either Pembroke Hill or Holden in the quarterfinals.
MOUNT VERNON AT SENECA
The top-seeded Indians (9-1) and second-seeded Mountaineers (8-3) will clash for the Class 2 District 4 championship on Friday night at Tom Hodge Field in Seneca.
Seneca pounded No. 4 Hollister 42-0 in last week’s semifinals, while Mount Vernon beat No. 3 Forsyth 42-15.
Ranked fourth in Class 2, the Indians are averaging 44.5 points per game and allowing 19. Mount Vernon scores 33 a game and allows 14.5.
As far as common opponents, both teams have defeated Aurora, Hollister, McDonald County, Monett and Springfield Catholic this season.
Seneca defeated Reeds Spring 63-49, while Mount Vernon suffered a 35-34 loss to the Wolves.
Both teams suffered a loss to Nevada. That’s Seneca’s lone setback.
Mount Vernon and Seneca did not meet during the regular season.
The Indians are looking to capture a district title for the second straight season. Mount Vernon last won a district championship in 2018.
The winner of this district meets either Liberty (Mountain View) or Mountain Grove in the quarterfinals on Nov. 19.
LAMAR, Mo. — A hyped rivalry game featuring a pair of state-ranked teams did not live up to top billing, as the Lamar Tigers flattened the Nevada Tigers 47-26 on Friday night.
“It’s always satisfying to get a rivalry week victory,” said Lamar coach Jared Beshore.
Nevada has not defeated Lamar since 2004, but entered the “Silver Tiger” game with a 5-1 record and fresh off a 62-7 thrashing of Cassville.
A Nevada team that had eclipsed 60 points three times this season did not resemble its usual self, generating a paltry 27 yards of offense in the first half. Lamar, meanwhile, scored early and often, receiving first quarter rushing touchdowns from tailback Austin Wilkerson and quarterback Alex Wilkerson.
Filling in for injured signal-caller Joel Beshore, Alex Wilkerson capped off a methodical scoring drive with his second rushing touchdown of the contest. The 8-yard scamper, followed by Jose Juarez’s extra point, handed Lamar a commanding 21-0 advantage with 10:08 remaining in the half.
Lamar junior wide receiver Ian Ngugi (1) finds an opening as Nevada linebacker Tyler Longobardi (42) is in pursuit on the play. Photo by Matt Resnick.
Nevada broke through late in the half via Ken Johnson’s pick six. A 235-pound defensive lineman, Johnson corralled a batted-ball and rumbled 60 yards to paydirt. With the 2-point conversion tacked on, Nevada trailed 21-8.
Lamar (6-1) quickly marched downfield on the ensuing possession, highlighted by Ty Willhite’s catch-and-run to the Nevada 1-yard line. Austin Wilkerson barreled in from a yard out on first down, and Lamar led 27-8 at the half.
Nevada struck first in the second half. On third and long, quarterback Cade Beshore connected with running back Avious Steadman for a 68-yard touchdown strike. The 2-point attempt was snuffed out, and Nevada trailed 27-14.
Lamar responded with consecutive scoring drives. The first came on a 1-yard Austin Wilkerson rush. The second was more dramatic, as Willhite hauled in a pass on 4th and 15 and bolted down the left sideline for the 26-yard touchdown — staking Lamar to a 39-14 advantage en route to convincing victory.
After absorbing its first defeat of the season in Week 4 against Seneca, Coach Beshore said he’s pleased with the way his squad has bounced back from the upset defeat.
Coach Beshore specifically referenced last week’s 40-point thumping of McDonald County, as well as the Silver Tiger triumph.
“For the second week in a row our kids put out effort that impressed me,” Beshore said. “The message after Seneca was ‘Where can we get better at?’ We took a hard look in the mirror at ourself after that game and really challenged our kids on the things they were struggling with, and they accepted the challenge.”
The display of force was so resounding that even Beshore was surprised.
“I didn’t know they had this in them until last week when I saw that effort against Mac County,” he said. “So we challenged our kids this week to duplicate that and even one-up that effort we put out last week — and our kids accepted the challenge and stepped up. I’m very proud of how hard they played. They deserved this win.”
Beshore said he treated Nevada as a formidable foe.
“Here’s the thing about Nevada — they do what they do, and they do it really well,” he said, referring to Nevada’s run-heavy offense led by Steadman. “What you see is what you get — but they do it extremely well. Our kids had to step up and win the physicality battle.”
With Joel Beshore sustaining a knee injury in last week’s dismantling of McDonald County, Jared Beshore said Alex Wilkerson filled in admirably.
“We always knew he was capable and he got to showcase that tonight,” he said, adding that Joel Beshore is only expected to miss one or two weeks of action. Coach Beshore added that having a backup quarterback of Alex Wilkerson’s caliber allows him to sleep easier.
“We’ve always had the mantra here at Lamar that ‘We don’t reload, we rebuild,’” Beshore said. “So when a guy goes down it doesn’t matter who they are on the team — we have kids that are willing to step up and take on those roles. Alex did an outstanding job tonight of running the football, throwing the football, and commanding our offense. He’s also playing defense too.”
Nevada coach Wes Beachler was downtrodden when discussing his team’s flat offensive performance.
“We didn’t get our feet under us on offense,” he said. “We had some busted assignments early and weren’t able to generate any yardage to get first downs and move the ball.”
Beachler said an inability to move the ball was too much to overcome.
“That’s the whole key to playing with Lamar. You have to be able to move the ball, keep their offense off the field and get points on the board,” he said. “You can’t spot them 21.”
Beachler said he had no regrets regarding his decision to punt the ball on multiple fourth and shorts while working with good field position in the first half.
“We were trying to play field position in a game like this, and trying not to give them a short field,” he said. “We didn’t cover punts very well so we didn’t flip the field entirely — but that was the thought at the time.”
Beachler said he anticipated a better showing from his squad.
“After having very few busts on offense or defense last week, and being very assignment and technique-sound, tonight we weren’t very sound on fundamentals — or on our assignments on both sides of the ball. So that was kind of a shock to me.”
Up Next
Ranked fourth in Class 2, Lamar hits the road for a Big 8 West clash with Cassville, while Class 4 No. 8 Nevada returns home to host Monett.
Lamar’s seniors bask in the glow of Friday night’s victory over Nevada. Photo by Matt Resnick.
LAMAR, Mo. — When it comes to the Lamar Tiger football program, Jared Beshore is a certified folk hero.
Now in his third season as head coach, the 26-year-old Beshore has a quartet of state championships to his name, three coming as a player and one as a head coach. Beshore is aiming to keep the storied Tiger football program at the Class 2 mountain top for the long haul.
“I was very blessed and fortunate as a player to have been a part of the Lamar program, and the rise of its success,” Beshore told SoMo Sports.
He credited former Lamar head coach Scott Bailey for his ascension to the college ranks as a player at NCAA Division 1 Missouri State University. Under Bailey, Beshore was a four-time all-state selection while playing running back and defensive back.
Jared Beshore
“I was able to play with a lot of really great players at Lamar and was lucky enough for that to carry me to the collegiate level and have football help pay for my education,” said Beshore, a three-year starting safety at Missouri State. “I had a little individual success, but would have liked to have won a few more ball games at that level. Just getting the experience to play at the Division 1 level in the Missouri Valley Conference was pretty cool.”
The journey back to Lamar was not something Beshore anticipated happening so quickly.
Lamar football was achieving unprecedented success under Bailey, having reeled off seven consecutive state championships and a nation-best 57 game-win streak. While his job-status seemed virtually untouchable, Bailey opted to depart Lamar for Jefferson City High School in 2020.
Upon graduation from Missouri State, Beshore promptly accepted a student-teaching and assistant coaching position at Branson High School. Beshore and his wife Courtney loved the area and had no plans of leaving, until he threw his hat in the ring to succeed Bailey at Lamar.
“I never planned on that happening — it just kind of happened. I was very content with where I was before I came back to Lamar,” he said. “I can sum it up as being blessed and fortunate and capitalizing on the opportunities I’ve been given.”
New sheriff in town
Jared Beshore watches his Lamar Tigers at the Webb City jamboree.
Beshore said he was mildly shocked by Bailey’s departure from the program. Bailey resigned after one season at Jeff City and is now a member of the Webb City High School coaching staff.
“I think everyone expected him to ride his years out in Lamar,” Beshore said. “But he was in a spot in his life where he thought he needed a change and wanted to pursue some other options.”
Beshore said that Bailey was one of the first people he called while contemplating the Lamar coaching job.
“He shot straight on what he thought about the job and where the program was,” said Beshore, who also replaced Bailey as Lamar’s activities director. “We had many conversations about that before I even applied. He’s just always been a guy I’ve leaned on for advice. He’s had a big effect on me in that role, and sort of convinced me to take a shot at this.”
Beshore shared a key piece of advice offered to him by Bailey.
“He thought that the program needed a new voice,” Beshore said. “Not because he was incapable. He’s a Hall of Fame coach and is going to be one of the most decorated coaches in Missouri sports history. He won seven consecutive state titles, which has never been done before.
“He thought that if there was somebody that could come in and provide a new voice the kids would be more apt to listen, the program wouldn’t level off, and it would continue to flourish.”
Beshore said that Bailey hit the nail on the head.
“I came in and the kids just bought-in to what I wanted to do, and that’s led to our success these last two years,” Beshore said. “My hope is that they continue to listen and do those things — and we don’t end up in a position where I feel I need to move on. I don’t ever want to leave Lamar — this is a program that’s very special to me.”
Beshore noted that he’s kept Bailey’s old school mindset ingrained in the program.
“It’s a ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get to work’ mentality,” he said. “My college coach was exactly the same. They were just old school guys — everything that you earned you had to work for.”
Beshore said his coaching mentors have propelled him to the heights he has already achieved as a young head coach.
“I base a lot of my philosophies on work, showing up every day, and being accountable,” he said. “Just believing that it will pay off if you put the work in. Programs that put the work in and players that put the work in — you see it on Friday night.”
Beshore added that the program’s longevity as a juggernaut can largely be attributed to the players.
“We’re not doing anything that other people have not either tried or are not currently doing,” he said. “It’s our kids and the buy-in that they have. We demand a lot out of them.”
Beshore pointed to the voluntary summer weight program as a prime example of that.
“We start summer weights at 4:45 am, and I have 100 percent accountability with it. All 65 of my football players are there,” he said. “That’s a lot to ask of a (teenage) kid, and their parents as well.
“These kids don’t question you, they don’t cross you — they know how the program works. They know that it does lead to success. They are willing to buy-in to that, and let us coach them in a manner that gets them to that level.”
The other theory regarding the success of the program is that there must be something in the Lamar tap water.
“If you taste our water you might think it’s radioactive,” said a laughing Beshore. “My wife refuses to drink it.”
Members of the Lamar Tigers are pictured at Webb City’s preseason jamboree.
Lofty expectations
Due to the bar set by Bailey, a state championship is the expectation each and every season. Not only by Beshore, but from the fanbase as well. Beshore has nearly accomplished that feat, winning a state title during his rookie coaching campaign, then narrowly falling in the state title game a season ago.
“There’s expectations and that’s where the pressure comes in,” Beshore said. “I don’t think the pressure ever alleviates — it doesn’t matter how many state titles we win.”
Now 26-2 as a head coach, Beshore said that the lofty expectations are felt by all in the program.
“Our kids and our coaches feel pressure to be successful,” he said. “Our kids have grown up with it and our coaches are accustomed to it.”
Beshore referred to it as a healthy pressure, but said that it’s not always been that way.
“I think there’s been years where it’s been unhealthy — the fanbase is wondering why we aren’t scoring on every play,” he said.
Beshore has zero issues with embracing unrealistic expectations as set forth by the fanbase.
“I think it helps us achieve more than maybe what our kids think we’re capable of doing,” he said.
Beshore described his coaching style as fair, consistent, and demanding.
“I want to be extremely demanding of our players,” he said, noting that the players and coaching staff are too dedicated to the program not to be. “When you expect success — you have to take it to another level. You have to work just as hard to stay at the top as you do to get there.”
Beshore said he also greatly values relationship-building.
“I have a philosophy of building relationships with the kids and letting them know that you’re there for them outside of the game of football, that it’s a lifelong relationship that you always want to keep,” he said.
Brotherhood
Lamar’s high-octane offense is fueled by Beshore’s younger brother Joel, a speedy dual-threat quarterback.
“It’s definitely a unique situation,” Beshore said. “Getting to coach your little brother, or any of your family, is really cool. I have a little cousin on the team as well.”
Joel has made significant strides with his brother at the helm.
“The success he’s had has been cool to watch,” Beshore said. “He’s really grown into the game of football because of me being here. I think he’s taken more pride in it.”
Beshore said that Joel is being pursued by multiple D2 schools, including MIAA mainstay Pittsburg State and Truman State.
“He wants to play college football, and I hope he gets that opportunity,” Beshore said.
Beshore said there are no free passes given to Joel.
“When you’re coaching a family member you don’t want to take it easy on them,” Beshore said. “You have to go even harder on them than anyone else to set a precedent. I also have higher expectations for him than the average player.”
With a nearly nine-year age difference between the brothers, Beshore fondly recalls returning home from college during the summers and involving elementary-aged Joel with his summer workout regimen.
“He hated them, but he did them,” Beshore said with a wry smile.
Beshore marveled at how the two have come full circle on their football paths.
“I think those are memories that we’ll look back upon one day — and just kind of see how that’s transitioned into where we are now,” he said.
Beshore described Joel’s style of play as more finesse and cerebral in the pocket.
“He has a tough finesse about him,” Beshore said. “He knows when to make the right cuts and has very good ball skills. But he will also lower his shoulder and you’ll see him be physical, which is something you don’t normally see in finesse-type players.”
Beshore said that his skill position players do not shy away from contact.
“They are not just the kids that don’t want to get hit,” Beshore said. “Oftentimes, now, our skill kids like to hit just as much as the big guys do.”
Despite having not suited up in several years, Beshore still lays claim to being the speediest in the family.
“Joel is not faster than me. I wish he would get faster than me,” said Beshore, who doubled as a track star a decade ago at Lamar.
“Joel has been on an all-state sprint relay team, so he can run,” conceded Beshore. “He relies more on his elusiveness in the open field — and I think he’s more physical than I probably was at the same time in my high school career.”
Football is an all-out family affair for the Beshore’s, as their father Jeff is a member of the coaching staff.
Prestigious accolade
Beshore was recently recognized by the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame as a member of this year’s “Elite 11” class. The recognition goes to former high school, college and professional standouts who made positive impacts in the sport. The honorees will be recognized for their achievements during a high-profile luncheon-induction ceremony in Springfield on Oct. 19, which Beshore said he plans on attending.
Jared Beshore is pictured during his playing days at Lamar.
A press release announcing the honorees noted that Beshore was instrumental in Lamar’s rise to powerhouse-status, helping the program to three consecutive state titles (2011-13), while winning 41 of 45 games during that stretch. For his career Beshore rushed for 4,920 yards and 88 touchdowns, while also tallying 23 career interceptions.
A three-sport letterman, Beshore was integral to Lamar’s state track titles in 2013 and ’14 as an all-state sprinter.
At Missouri State, Beshore accumulated 240 tackles,16 breakups, and seven interceptions during his 44-game collegiate career.
The press release further noted Beshore’s sterling coaching credentials, having guided Lamar to a state championship in 2020 and a runner-up finish in ’21.
Beshore was modest about his selection to the exclusive club.
“I was very surprised to hear that I was selected,” he said. “The Elite 11 is a very cool honor.”
Entering Week 2 of the season Lamar is the No. 1 ranked team in Class 2 — and Beshore intends on keeping them there.
An occasional contributor to SoMo Sports, Matt Resnick is a reporter for the Chanute Tribune and Parsons Sun in Kansas. He can be reached by email at matt@chanute.com.
Jared Beshore is pictured during his time at Missouri State. Courtesy photos.
NIXA, Mo. — Seneca’s girls and Lamar’s boys fell short in their respective Class 4 sectional basketball contests on Tuesday night at Nixa High School.
In girls action, Ava defeated Seneca 48-30.
Ava (22-5) will meet Helias Catholic (22-7) in the quarterfinals at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Lebanon.
On the boys side, Willow Springs rode a hot start to a 66-42 win over Lamar.
Willow Springs (22-5) will take on Father Tolton (20-8) in the quarterfinals at 2:45 on Saturday.
AVA GIRLS 48, SENECA 30
The Bears scored nine unanswered points in the first quarter en route to a 15-7 lead.
Seneca’s Hazley Grotjohn made three 3-pointers in the second quarter, but Ava’s Olivia Gastineau hit two of her own to give the Bears a 25-18 halftime advantage.
Ava took its first double-digit lead of the game at 31-20 and Hazley Grotjohn fouled out with just over three minutes to play in the third quarter.
Aliya Grotjohn knocked down two treys late in the third period, but Seneca trailed 33-26 entering the fourth quarter.
Ava began the fourth quarter on a game-changing 11-0 run to take a 18-point lead.
Seneca ends the season with a record of 22-7.
A senior guard who is headed to Cottey College, Aliya Grotjohn led the Indians with 16 points.
A freshman guard, Hazley Grotjohn scored 11 points.
For Ava, Hannah Evans scored 16 points, while Sara Mendel and Gastineau added 10 points apiece.
WILLOW SPRINGS BOYS 66, LAMAR 42
The Bears raced out to a 21-4 lead and never looked back in this one.
Willow Springs led by 20 early in the second quarter and the Bears were up 37-15 at halftime.
Lamar used an 11-2 run to pull within 13 at 39-26. During the surge, Lamar’s Mason Gastel hit a trey before Conner Shoff hit two treys and Gastel connected on two free throws.
But Willow Springs ended the third period on an 8-4 run for a 47-30 lead.
The Tigers kept coming, but the Bears’ lead was never in jeopardy in the final frame.
Scottie Osborn scored 21 points to lead Willow Springs, while Owen Duddridge added 17.
Shoff and Gastel scored 12 points apiece to lead Lamar.
AVA, Mo. — Lamar took control early and never relinquished its lead en route to a 35-14 victory over Ava in a Class 2 quarterfinal on Saturday at CE Harlan Stadium.
The Tigers (12-0) host Richmond (11-1) in the semifinals at 1 p.m. next Saturday at Thomas O’Sullivan Stadium.
In the quarterfinal round for the 13th straight season, Lamar scored two unanswered touchdowns early in the game to pull ahead for good.
Up 21-14 at halftime, the Tigers scored a pair of unanswered touchdowns after the break. The Lamar defense held Ava scoreless in the second half to secure the win.
After the Tigers and Bears traded turnovers to start the game, Lamar got on the board when Austin Wilkerson scored on a 20-yard run with seven minutes left in the first quarter.
Lamar went up 14-0 on Logan Crockett’s 56-yard touchdown sprint.
The Bears broke through when Zach Richards scored on a 30-yard QB keeper at the 1:10 mark of the first quarter.
Lamar took a 21-7 lead when a wide open Mason Gastel hauled in a 54-yard touchdown pass with 7:01 remaining in the second quarter.
The Tigers were threatening to extend their lead late in the first half, but Ava’s Richards picked off a tipped pass near midfield and then ran all the way to the 6-yard line. A few plays later, Richards’ 1-yard TD plunge cut Lamar’s lead to 21-14.
After getting a key defensive stop to start the second half, the Tigers put together a 97-yard scoring drive in the third period. It was capped by a 25-yard touchdown pass from Joel Beshore to Wilkerson at the 5:03 mark of the third period.
Lamar added a late score on Crockett’s 2-yard plunge with 4:13 remaining in the game. The score was set up by Wilkerson’s interception return.
Defending state champion Lamar finished with 422 yards of offense, with 324 rushing and 98 passing.
Beshore ran 14 times for 124 yards, while Crockett had 93 rushing yards on seven carries and Wilkerson added 63 yards on eight carries.
Ava (11-1) recorded 160 yards of offense.
Richmond defeated Maryville 49-23. The other Class 2 semifinal will feature Lutheran St. Charles against Lafayette County.
Three area prep football teams will attempt to reach the semifinals of their respective state tournaments this weekend.
Below is a quick look at the quarterfinal matchups of local interest.
CLASS 5 QUARTERFINAL
Lebanon (10-1) at Webb City (8-3), Friday at 7 p.m.
OUTLOOK: Webb City avenged a regular season setback to Carthage in the District 6 championship game, as the Cardinals overcame a 14-point deficit and knocked off the previously undefeated Tigers 28-21 in what was another memorable clash between the close rivals.
Incredibly, John Roderique’s Cardinals have now won 22 straight district championships.
Lebanon beat Glendale 56-26 for the District 5 crown. Lebanon’s lone loss came in Week 8, a 28-20 setback to Rolla. The Yellowjackets own a win over Class 4 quarterfinalist West Plains (44-34).
Both teams are averaging 41 points per game. The Yellowjackets are allowing 20 points per game, while the Cardinals have given up 22 points per game.
Webb City is ranked fourth by the Missouri Media, while Lebanon is ranked seventh.
These two teams also met in this round last season at Cardinal Stadium, with Webb City advancing to the semifinals with a convincing 42-14 win.
The winner of this game will advance to the semifinals on Nov. 27, where they’ll meet either defending state champion Jackson or Rockwood Summit.
CLASS 3 QUARTERFINAL
Mexico (9-2) at Seneca (8-4), Saturday at 2 p.m.
OUTLOOK: The Indians defeated Mountain Grove 24-18 in the district championship game.
Seneca is in the quarterfinal round for the first time since 2013. The Indians finished as the state runner-up that season.
Led by QB Ethan Fritchey and running backs Jaxson Graham and Jackson Marrs, the Indians have won four straight games since suffering a loss to Class 2 defending state champion Lamar.
Seneca is averaging 25 points per game and allowing 24. Mexico is scoring 39 points per contest while allowing 18.
Mexico handled Blair Oaks 49-14 in the district championship game. The Bulldogs’ losses are to Class 4 quarterfinalist Hannibal and to Class 4 Kirksville.
The winner of this game will meet either Park Hills Central or St. Mary’s in the semifinals on Nov. 27.
CLASS 2 QUARTERFINAL
Lamar (11-0) at Ava (11-0), Saturday at 1 p.m.
OUTLOOK: Lamar is in the quarterfinal round for the 13th straight season.
In a clash between the top-ranked teams in Class 2, Lamar rode a big second half to a 35-7 win over second-ranked Fair Grove in the district championship game.
Led by QB Joel Beshore and RB Austin Wilkerson, the defending state champion Tigers scored 28 unanswered points after the game was deadlocked at halftime.
Ranked fourth, Ava defeated Liberty 48-6 last Friday to advance.
The Bears are averaging 44 points per game and allowing 11. Lamar is scoring 46 per game and giving up just 8 points per game. Ava defeated Lamar in this round in 2019.
The Lamar-Ava winner will meet either Maryville or Richmond in the semifinals on Nov. 27.
HOW TO WATCH: All of the area games can be viewed online for a $10 fee at: https://www.mshsaa.tv/
At SoMo Sports, we understand the importance of student-athletes competing in prep sports in terms of development, both mentally and physically, for young adults who are preparing for life after high school.
Not only does competing in prep sports help build character, but it also provides student-athletes with tools such as communication, leadership and self-drive that will benefit them as they continue on life’s journey.
With that in mind, SoMo Sports wanted to honor the top athletes in the area who put in countless hours of hard work during practice, workouts, games/meets as well as on their own time by naming them as a SoMo Sports Athlete of the Year.
The Athlete of the Year selections go out to the top area athlete in each sport during the fall, winter and spring prep seasons.
The standout athletes are chosen by SoMo Sports reporters Jason Peake and Lucas Davis, who tirelessly cover prep sports for Joplin and its surrounding communities during the school year. Along with nominations by area coaches, SoMo Sports used individual accomplishments during the regular season and postseason as well as team success as factors for choosing each Athlete of the Year.
The SoMo Sports Athletes of the Year awards will be divided up in three stories—fall, winter and spring. Each sport will have an Athlete of the Year, and if warranted, there may be one or two honorable mentions per sport as well.
The SoMo Sports Athletes of the Year three-part story is sponsored by Cell Phone Medics.
SOMO SPORTS FALL ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
FOOTBALL
Devrin Weathers, senior, Webb City
Webb City senior Devrin Weathers is the SoMo Sports Athlete of the Year in football.
Webb City’s Devrin Weathers had a remarkable high school career. A 6-foot-1, 190-pound running back who was a three-year starter for John Roderique’s powerhouse Webb City Cardinals, Weathers earned numerous all-state, all-district, all-region and all-conference honors over the course of his standout prep career. Weathers was named the 2020 Central Ozark Conference Offensive Player of the Year and the Southwest Missouri Football Coaches Association’s Offensive Player of the Year for Class 5 after he rushed for 1,782 yards and scored 29 total touchdowns as a senior. A Kansas State-signee who also returned kicks and caught an occasional pass, Weathers compiled 2,069 all-purpose yards in 2020. The Cardinals went 26-4 in Weathers’ last two seasons, with a Class 4 state championship in 2019 and a Class 5 semifinal appearance in 2020. Weathers compiled more than 4,100 rushing yards and 59 rushing touchdowns during his memorable high school career.
Honorable Mention: Nathan Glades, senior, Joplin; Patrick Carlton, senior, Carthage
SOFTBALL
Haidyn Berry, senior, Webb City
Webb City senior Haidyn Berry garnered SoMo Sports Athlete of the Year in softball.
Haidyn Berry was a dominant two-way performer for the Webb City Cardinals. As a senior, Berry led the Cardinals to a state runner-up finish by excelling in the circle and inside the batter’s box. As a pitcher, the right-handed Berry went 25-6 with 234 strikeouts and just 27 walks in 194 innings. She had a 2.23 ERA for the season. At the plate, Berry hit .444 with a .981 slugging percentage and a 1.501 OPS. Berry recorded 48 hits with 18 home runs and 49 RBI. The 18 homers in a season not only set a school record, but also put Berry second all-time in the state of Missouri. Berry was the Central Ozark Conference’s Player of the Year for the second straight season and also garnered first team all-state, all-region and all-district honors.
With her standout prep career concluded, Berry will play college softball at the University of Central Missouri.
BOYS SOCCER
Alberto Robledo, senior, Neosho
Robledo, a forward, had a memorable senior season for the Wildcats, who finished with a 19-2 record on the way to a trip to the Class 3 quarterfinals. Robledo finished his final season in Neosho with 31 goals and two assists on the way to earning Class 3 Offensive Player of the Year honors. In addition, Robledo earned first-team all-region and district recognition.
BOYS SWIMMING
Ben Wardlow, senior, Joplin
Wardlow, a William Jewell commit, saw his strong senior season culminate with four events at the Class 2 state meet. Wardlow placed 21st in the 100-yard freestyle in a time of 50.54 while taking 22nd place in the 50-yard freestyle in a time of 22.65. Wardlow was also the lead leg in Joplin’s 200 freestyle relay team which took 20th at the state meet. Wardlow also won the 50 free at the Central Ozark Conference meet in a time of 23.21 seconds and received all-conference in that event as well as the 100 breaststroke. At SWMO, Wardlow got his personal best in the 100 freestyle and placed sixth in a time of 50.67.
VOLLEYBALL
Salma Lewis, senior, Carl Junction
Carl Junction senior Salma Lewis earned SoMo Sports Athlete of the Year in volleyball. Photo by Israel Perez.
With her stellar play at the net, Salma Lewis led the Carl Junction Bulldogs to a 24-7 record and a district championship in 2020. A 5-foot-10 outside hitter, Lewis recorded 412 kills as a senior. Lewis finished her prep career with 1,229 career kills, a school record. According to the MSHSAA website, Lewis is just the 19th player in state history to record 1,000 career kills. A force at the net throughout her four-year prep career, Lewis has earned multiple all-state, all-district and all-conference honors. After capturing a district championship, the Bulldogs ended the season with a five-set loss to eventual state champion Willard. Lewis, who was also a standout in track and field, will play college volleyball at Drury University.
Honorable Mention: Maddy Peeples, senior, Webb City
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Joe Kremp, senior, Lamar
Kremp capped off his senior season with the Tigers with a third-place finish at the Class 3 state meet. He recorded a PR in his final cross country event, crossing the line in 16 minutes, 2.8 seconds. Kremp was also the Big 8 Conference champion with a time of 16:12.61, earning three total wins and finished in the top three eight times in his final season with Lamar. In nine of the 10 meets in which Kremp competed, he ran a time of 16:31 or better.
Honorable Mention: Joseph Dawson, senior, Webb City
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Jennalee Dunn, junior, Joplin
Jennalee Dunn is the SoMo Sports Athlete of the Year for girls cross country.
In a stellar junior season, Jennalee Dunn became Joplin High School’s first female state medalist in cross country. Dunn was the runner-up in the girls race at the Central Ozark Conference Meet (19 minutes, 16 seconds) and then finished second at the Class 5 District 6 meet (19:20). Competing alongside the state’s best at Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia last November, Dunn finished 18th at the Class 5 state meet with a time of 19:11. Dunn, who attended Thomas Jefferson Independent as a freshman, has advanced to the state cross country meet in every year of high school.
Also a standout in track, Dunn holds the school record in three of the four distance events—19 minutes even in the 5K, a 5:08 in the 1600 and a 2:22 in the 800.
For the second straight year, Astrid Cardenas represented Joplin High School at the state tennis tournament. After advancing to state in singles and going 22-3 as a sophomore in 2019, Cardenas and Emma Watts were the top doubles team in the region during the fall of 2020. The JHS duo won the No. 1 doubles crown at the Central Ozark Conference tournament, took second at the Class 3 District 6 tournament and then advanced to the consolation quarterfinals of the Class 3 state tournament. Cardenas and Watts went 15-7 on the season, but were 14-3 after both players returned to action from injury or illness. A back injury plagued Cardenas throughout her junior season. Both Cardenas and Watts will return for the Eagles this fall.
Astrid Cardenas is the SoMo Sports Athlete of the Year for girls tennis.
GIRLS GOLF
Lily Allman, senior, McDonald County
Allman, a Missouri Southern commit, capped her incredible high school career with a third-place finish at the Class 3 state meet with a 81-82—163 at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club for the Mustangs, finishing just four strokes back of first place. Among her many accomplishments during her senior season, Allman, a founding member of the McDonald County girls golf program, garnered all-Big 8 honors while winning the Class 3 District 3 tournament with a six-over-par 76. Other notable wins for Allman during her senior year were the Joplin Lady Eagle Invitational, Carl Junction Tournament and the eCarthage Invitational.
NEOSHO, Mo. — Noesho started out on fire and built a 31-point lead by halftime en route to the win over Carl Junction on Tuesday.
Carter Fenske started the game with a perfect 5-for-5 shooting from the perimeter, including three 3-pointers in the first quarter to stake Neosho out to a 19-7 lead after the first eight minutes. He made three more 3-balls in the second and finished the night with a team-high 30 points. Isaiah Green had eight points in the first quarter and finished the night with 13 to go along with nine rebounds and four blocks. Chase Flynn added 11 points, while Brock Franklin sank three triples on the way to nine points.
Alex Baker led Carl Junction with 13 points, while Sincere Williams finished with nine and Kyler Perry with eight.
Neosho hosts Ozark on Friday.
Carl Junction hosts Willard on Friday.
MERCY/WARRIOR CLASSIC
THOMAS JEFFERSON BOYS 59, SHELDON 34
Thomas Jefferson took a three-point lead into the second quarter before combining to outscore Sheldon 38-10 in the second and third quarters to fuel a bounceback win for the Cavaliers on the second day of the Mercy/Warrior Classic hosted by McAuley Catholic on Tuesday.
Caden Myers led Thomas Jefferson with 18 points, 11 coming in the first half. Dhruv Gheewala finished with 13, while Noah Hamlett added nine and Jay Ball seven.
COLLEGE HEIGHTS GIRLS 52, LAMAR JV 34
College Heights built an 11-point lead by halftime and outscored Lamar 21-7 in the third quarter on the way to the Cougars’ tournament-opening win in the Mercy/Warrior Classic.
Grace Bishop led College Heights with a game-high 28 points, including 10 in the first period. Bishop added four 3-pointers in the win. Lainey Lett finished with seven points for CHC.
Kennedy Evans and Aryanna Seeyla each had seven to lead Lamar JV.
College Heights takes on Thomas Jefferson at 6:30 on Wednesday.
LAMAR GIRLS 52, SHELDON 17
The Tigers led 15-2 at the end of the first quarter and Lamar was up 26-10 at the break en route to the lopsided win.
Lamar’s Eli Daniels scored 13 points and Kara Morey added nine.
CARTHAGE, Mo. — Carthage jumped out to a double-digit lead early before blanking Lamar on the scoreboard in the third quarter on the way to a 59-29 win in the opening round of the Lady Tigers Basketball Invitational on Wednesday.
Sophomore guard Kianna Yates was the driving force for Carthage, finishing with a career-high 28 points to lead all scorers in the contest.
“Kianna had the shots falling tonight, which was great,” Carthage coach Scott Moore said. “A lot of us weren’t hitting shots tonight, so it was key for her to do that. We like having the ball in her hands. We ran a lot of ball-screen activity tonight to get her open, and if they were doubling off her or trying to switch, she did a good job of hitting the roller. … She makes so many good decisions as a sophomore point guard.”
Carthage, playing with just seven players, set the tone early in the win after jumping out to a 12-2 lead in the onset of the contest. Yates, Hailey Fullerton and Katie Crowe, who knocked down a 3-pointer in the run, all contributed to the early lead offensively.
“For us, we want to start fast,” Moore said. “We are going to get out and 55 press everybody, which is generated by our offense. We have to make baskets to get into our press, which frazzles teams. That’s how we want to play, so it was really important for us to jump out to that start.”
Lamar trimmed the lead to 17-12 by the end of the first quarter before adding a free throw early in the second to get as close as four. Then, Yates and the Tigers used a 7-0 run to get back to a double-digit lead. Yates, who scored seven total in the second, accounted for five of the points in the run and had the assist on Crowe’s fast-break layup. Carthage went into the intermission with a 26-19 advantage.
The Tigers put the game away in the third quarter, holding Lamar scoreless while putting up 23 points as a team to build a 49-19 lead, forcing a running clock in the fourth quarter.
“Lamar took advantage of our mistakes (early in the game),” Moore said. “We gave them open looks that we should normally shut down a little bit more, and I think you saw that in the second and third quarter.”
Yates scored 10 of the 23 points and Fullerton contributed seven points, including a 3-pointer.
“I equate her, when I think of NBA players, she is a Chris Paul to me,” Moore said of Yates. “I want the ball in her hand all the time. She makes lots of good decisions, but it also frees up the rest of our players to do what they do. … She is a really good player for us growing into a great player.”
Carthage finished with three players in double figures. Aside from Yates’ 28, Fullerton finished with 11 and Crowe with 10.
Lamar was led in scoring by Sierra White, who had nine, and Josey Adams, who had eight.
