SPRINGFIELD — The high school football season continued with some highly contested games around the Springfield area on Friday, Oct. 9. Week 7 action provided some big touchdowns and close contests. H
Here’s everything that happened this week for Springfield area teams.
Hillcrest picks up second win of the season
Hillcrest (2-4) defended home turf for its second win of the season. The Hornets downed Marshfield (2-5), 34-13.
Running back Xavier Garnett opened the scoring on the first offensive play of the game for the Hornets. He took a handoff to the house for a 70-yard rushing touchdown.
In the second half, Hillcrest’s Jordan Whrill scored three touchdowns. He caught two touchdown passes from quarterbacks Nolan Skelton and Dylan Kirby. He also jumped on a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown,
too.
Hillcrest capped the night with a 41-yard rushing touchdown by Donte Pierce. He broke multiple tackles before beating his defender to the pylon.
Logan-Rogersville late-game heroics keep undefeated season alive
In one of Missouri's craziest games this week, Logan-Rogersville (7-0) stunned West Plains 36-30 at home with a late scoring drive by the Wildcats.
The Zizzers (5-2) took the lead 30-28 with 52 seconds left. West Plains trailed by 10 points entering the fourth quarter before leading a spirited comeback.
With its backs against the wall, Logan-Rogersville put together a big game-winning drive thanks to quarterback Kasimir Manczuk.
Manczuk stepped back to pass with less than 40 seconds left. Cole Evans sprinted downfield, getting behind the Zizzers’ secondary. Manczuk delivered a pass on the mark, leading Evans into the end zone for the 61-yard touchdown to win the game.
The big touchdown kept Logan-Rogersville’s undefeated season alive. It’s the school’s first 7-0 start in over 17 years.
The Wildcats and Zizzers traded blows all evening. Star running back Joe Roche led Logan-Rogersville in all offensive categories. He scored four touchdowns in the win. Roche found paydirt from 16, 18, 27, and 45 yards out.
In close games, all three facets of the game are needed to win. Logan-Rogersville played well on special teams, especially securing its extra points. West Plains scored five touchdowns but left five points off the board.
Ozark, Glendale big Week 8 matchup approaching
It’s never too early to look towards next week. Glendale (4-3) will go on the road to face Ozark (3-4) on Thursday, Oct. 16. Glendale and Ozark are two of the most in-form teams at the moment.
This week, Glendale took down rival Kickapoo 35-6. Star wide receiver Joelle Rover snagged two receiving touchdowns from quarterback Ryder Spickard, who also tossed a touchdown pass to Samari Pickett. Cameron Major found the end zone via a rushing score, while linebacker Liam Wormington took an interception to the house.
Glendale is playing its best football. The Falcons have won three straight games with victories over Waynesville, Lebanon and Kickapoo.
Ozark has won back-to-back games, too. The Tigers defeated Lebanon 42-14 in Week 7 and Waynesville in Week 6.
Against Lebanon, Ozark’s Jett Easley opened the scoring on a short rushing touchdown. Lebanon would answer on the next possession. The Tigers then went on to score 35 unanswered points to win.
Easley scored two more touchdowns, but Braxton Bell dominated the night. The running back scored two rushing touchdowns. He also snagged an interception for a 55-yard pick-six after teammate Jordan Vogler pressured the quarterback and tipped the pass.
Right now, both teams are beating similar opponents. It’s why next week’s game will be one to watch between two equally skilled rosters.
Republic dominates Webb City in top-10 clash
In a battle between two of the top teams in Class 5, it was all Republic (6-1) in Week 7. The No. 4 Tigers defeated No. 5 Webb City (5-2), 33-14.
Republic rushed for 389 yards, putting together long, sustained drives one after another. Nolan Lashley rushed for four touchdowns, while Keiran Govan opened the game with a second-quarter rushing touchdown.
Republic scored two touchdowns in the opening 10 minutes of the second half. After the first score, the Tigers grabbed an onside kick. The jolt of energy led to another, giving the Tigers a 26-0 lead. Webb City tried to mount a comeback, but there wasn’t enough time thanks to Republic’s ball control and stout defense.
Southwest Missouri Week 7 schedule
Big Eight Conference
- Seneca 58, Aurora 8
- Nevada 42, East Newton 35
- Lamar 38, Mt. Vernon 13
- Monett 64, McDonald County 40
Central Ozark Conference
- Carthage 63, Willard 0
- Glendale 35, Kickapoo 6, Thursday
- Neosho 42, Joplin 35
- Ozark 42, Lebanon 14
- Nixa 63, Waynesville 7
- Republic 33, Webb City 14
Mid-Lakes Conference
- Reeds Spring 38, Buffalo 13
- Clever 35, Strafford 0
- Fair Grove 47, Forsyth 0
- Springfield Catholic 42, Hollister 0
Southwest Conference
- Skyline 30, Ash Grove 12
- Marionville 64, Diamond 27
- Miller 65, Sarcoxie 11
- Stockton 43, Pierce City 14
Ozark Mountain Conference
- Bolivar 49, Branson 21
- Hillcrest 34, Marshfield 13
- Logan-Rogersville 36, West Plains 30
Non-conference
- Cassville 1, Miller Career Academy 0, forfeit
- Carl Junction 55, Parkview 18, Thursday
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 Springfield area Week 7 high school football action
