SPRINGFIELD — The high school football regular season schedule has officially passed the halfway point. Conference title races are shaping up, while postseason seeding continues to be a major storyline.
Here’s everything that happened to the Springfield area in Week 5 on Friday, Sept. 25.
Springfield Catholic edges Fair Grove in thriller
Springfield Catholic (5-0) controls its own destiny in the Mid-Lakes Conference this season. The Irish defeated previously-undefeated Fair Grove 27-22.
Catholic is the lone undefeated team in the league, after Fair Grove knocked off Clever in Week 4.
The Irish used three touchdowns from Sam Boster, who has emerged as one of the best scoring threats in the area.
Fair Grove’s defense continues to be a part of their identity. This was the lowest scoring output for
Catholic this season. The Irish had scored at least 36 points in each game leading into this game.
With both teams playing Class 2 District 3 action, Catholic and Fair Grove (4-1) could meet again for a major postseason battle down the line.
Catholic will host Buffalo (3-2) on Friday, Oct. 2. Fair Grove will return home for the first time in several weeks against Reeds Spring (4-1).
Nolan Lashley shines in massive Republic win
Republic (4-1) put together another major performance at home this week. The Tigers defeated Neosho (4-1) 47-35 thanks to running back Nolan Lashley.
The junior back rushed for 368 total yards and scored six touchdowns in the win. Lashley scored three of his touchdowns from long range, 52-yards, 70-yards and 77-yards.
Lashley’s ability to rush powerfully up the middle, while also being able to sprint past defenders makes him one of the most elusive weapons in the region.
Along with Lashley’s big game, Lincoln Caldwell added the final touchdown of the game for Republic.
Republic’s defense came to play, too. They forced several turnovers as Neosho’s defense was kept off balance all game. The Wildcats have one of the most formidable passing attacks in the Central Ozarks Conference, but the Tigers were able to force errant throws and make open field tackles. Before this game, Neosho scored at least 42 points each outing.
Republic will head to Joplin (2-3) for a road game next week.
Logan-Rogersville's best start in 15 years
For the first time since 2011, Logan-Rogersville is undefeated through the first five weeks. The Wildcats (5-0) defeated Bolivar 42-13 win a big home victory.
Running back Joe Roche continued his dominate start to the season. He scored four touchdowns and rushed for 218 yards. Roche punched in three touchdowns from 10-yards and closer. He did peel off a 47-yard rushing touchdown that highlighted the game.
All four of Roche’s touchdowns came in the first half. Quarterback Kasimir Manczuk took over the scoring in the final two quarters. He rushed for two touchdowns to put the game out of reach. Lucas White also came up with some big plays defensively. He snagged two interceptions in the third quarter for the Wildcats.
No. 3 Logan-Rogersville will try to keep its winning ways alive in Class 3 next week. The Wildcats will take on Hillcrest (1-2) on the road next week.
Southwest Missouri Week 5 results
Big Eight Conference
- Monett 34, Aurora 20
- Cassville 49, East Newton 14
- Lamar 45, Christ Prep Academy 21
- McDonald County 35, Mt. Vernon 13
- Seneca 37, Nevada 16
Central Ozark Conference
- Carthage 42, Joplin 14
- Glendale 44, Waynesville 14
- Lebanon 48, Kickapoo 31
- Republic 47, Neosho 35
- Nixa 45, Ozark 28
- Webb City 49, Willard 0
Mid-Lakes Conference
- Clever 49, Buffalo 28
- Springfield Catholic 27, Fair Grove 22
- Forsyth 41, Reeds Spring 6
- Strafford 47, Hollister 0
Southwest Conference
- Ash Grove 22, Diamond 19
- Marionville 28, Sarcoxie 21
- Miller 12, Pierce City 7
- Skyline 47, Stockton 21
Ozark Mountain Conference
- Logan-Rogersville 42, Bolivar 13
- Branson 14, Carl Junction 7
- West Plains 34, Hillcrest 12
Non-conference
- Marshfield 55, Parkview 21
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Breaking down Week 5 high school football action in Springfield area
