SPRINGFIELD — A win or loss in Week 1 cannot define a season. Teams must turn the page, and Week 2 offers another great opportunity for Springfield-area teams.
After going 8-3 in our picks last week, here are our predictions for Week 2 of high school football action in the Springfield area. All kickoffs are set for 7 p.m. Friday unless noted.
Glendale (0-1) at Neosho (1-0)
It was a tough start to the season for Glendale. Despite scoring first, the Falcons lost to Webb City 42-6. Glendale will need to shore up its defense after surrendering 373 rushing yards. Neosho got off to a perfect start. The Wildcats defeated Ozark 49-23. Neosho quarterback Blayne Patterson passed for 332 yards and four touchdowns. If Neosho can continue its efficient offense, the Wildcats will have a strong
home opener. Neosho 42, Glendale 21
Hillcrest (0-0) at Fair Grove (1-0)
It’s the opening week of football for Hillcrest. After going idle in Week 1 due to Central’s canceled season, the Hornets are going to be led by running backs Xavier Garnett and Keyon Clay. Cornelius Nolan is the team’s top lineman and was a second-team member in 2025. Fair Grove is coming off a statement 25-13 road win against Mountain Grove. Quarterback Gavin Thomason threw for 169 yards, rushed for 139 yards and accounted for three touchdowns. Fair Grove’s offensive power could be too much for Hillcrest in its first game of the season. Fair Grove 36, Hillcrest 20
Kickapoo (0-1) at Republic (1-0)
Republic is ready for its home opener after an impressive Week 1 victory. The Tigers blanked Lebanon 35-0 behind 131 yards and four touchdowns from running back Nolan Lashley. Republic’s run first offense accounted for 358 yards as they milked the clock in the second half. The offensive line for Republic was impressive and could do some damage again in Week 2. Kickapoo suffered a close 14-10 loss to Joplin. Turnovers doomed the Chiefs against the Eagles. If Kickapoo can play clean football, the Chiefs can contend. Republic 28, Kickapoo 17
Logan-Rogersville (1-0) at Ava (1-0)
The Wildcats used a big comeback win to avoid defeat against California last week. The offense was on the mark in the second half, led by quarterback Kasimir Manczuk and running back Joe Roche. A quick start could give Logan-Rogersville a big advantage, but Ava knows how to win, too. The Bears edged Forsyth 14-12 last week. Running back Braxton Swarengin is one to watch for Ava in this game, but Logan-Rogersville’s big play opportunities could be the difference. Logan-Rogersville 34, Ava 21
Nixa at Joplin
What a win it was for the Eagles in Week 1. Nixa took down Carthage 42-13 thanks to superior play from quarterback Adam McKnight and running back Jax Adams. The Eagles have won 21 straight regular-season road games. The team’s last road loss came in 2021 against Joplin, who earned a comeback win against Kickapoo. Forcing turnovers was huge for Joplin’s victory, but they will have a stern test against a team that has reached the state title game in back-to-back seasons. Nixa 42, Joplin 20
Ozark (0-1) at Willard (1-0)
For the first time in three years, Willard started the season with a win. It’s also just the second Week 1 victory since 2015, when the Tigers started 2-0. Willard defeated Waynesville 34-21 thanks to James Slaughter’s 128 rushing yards and one touchdown. Ozark will try to bounce back after a 49-23 loss to Neosho. Ozark couldn’t slow down Neosho’s passing attack in the loss. Ozark has won five of its last six meetings against Willard, but the home team may use last week’s momentum to their advantage in a close game. Willard 21, Ozark 16
Stockton at Clever
One of the more intriguing matchups on the slate, Stockton and Clever both enter riding big wins. Stockton took down El Dorado Springs 38-2 in dominant fashion. Clever edged Marionville 13-8 with senior Kendall Piper rushing for 86 yards and one touchdown. It should be a fascinating matchup between two teams with big expectations this year. Clever 23, Stockton 18
Southwest Missouri Week 2 schedule
Big Eight Conference
- Cassville at Aurora
- McDonald County at East Newton
- Seneca at Lamar
- Mount Vernon at Monett
Central Ozark Conference
- Lebanon at Carthage
- Glendale at Neosho
- Nixa at Joplin
- Kickapoo at Republic
- Ozark at Willard
- Waynesville at Webb City
Non-conference
- Parkview at Lighthouse Christian
- Bolivar at Harrisonville
- Branson at Rolla
- Logan-Rogersville at Ava
- Nevada at Carl Junction
- Marshfield at Reeds Spring
- Mountain Grove at West Plains
- Ash Grove at El Dorado Springs
- Crane at Diamond
- Forsyth at Marionville
- Liberty (Mountain View) at Miller
- Pierce City at Tipton
- Sarcoxie at Hollister
- Skyline at Willow Springs
- Stockton at Clever
- Buffalo at Warsaw
- Hillcrest at Fair Grove
- Marshfield at Reeds Spring
- Springfield Catholic at Houston
- Strafford at Adrian
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: Southwest Missouri high school football Week 2 predictions
