SPRINGFIELD — The high school football regular season is drawing to a close. It’s the penultimate week of football in Missouri.
Southwest Missouri teams are staking claim to conference titles, while also fighting for a high district seeding.
After going4-1 in our picks last week, we're 36-8 overall. Here are our predictions for Week 8 of high school football action in the Springfield area. All kickoffs are set for 7 p.m. Friday unless noted.
Carthage (6-1) at Republic (6-1)
The only loss for both teams was by the hands of Nixa. Since the defeat, Republic and Carthage have bounced back picking up big win week after week. This is one of the best games in the state featuring No. 2 Carthage and No. 3 Republic.
Republic has an overall record of 1-18 against the Carthage. Its lone win
came three years ago. This is one of the best chances Republic has to grab a win thanks to running back Nolan Lashley and its stellar defense. In a close battle, Republic’s home field advantage will be a difference maker. Republic 28, Carthage 24
Glendale (4-3) at Ozark (3-4)
Glendale and Ozark face each other with both teams playing their best football at the right time. Glendale has won three straight games and four of its last five outings. Sophomore quarterback Ryder Spickard is playing extremely well with Joelle Rover and Trevor Heman catching every ball thrown their way.
Ozark has won back-to-back games over Waynesville and Lebanon. Jett Easley is tearing opposing defenses to shreds thanks to his speed. The Tigers have lost back-to-back games to the Falcons and they’ll need a big outing this week. Glendale’s defense is vastly improved led by Liam Wormington and they’ll be eager to make plays in a tightly contested game. Glendale 38, Ozark 34
Marionville (5-2) at Ash Grove (5-2)
Ash Grove may have the toughest schedule in the area. This is the fourth time that Ash Grove is facing a ranked team. The Pirates are receiving votes in the latest Class 1 rankings, while Marionville sits at No. 6.
The Pirates will try to bounce back after a loss to Skyline last week. Marionville has won four straight games highlighted by a 26-6 win against Miller. The Comets have won eight straight games over the Pirates. Ash Grove is much improved and should give Marionville a challenge on Friday. But, Marionville’s experience in big games may be too much in a close outing. Marionville 42, Ash Grove 38
Springfield Catholic (7-0) at Clever (6-1)
It’s another huge matchup in the Mid-Lakes Conference between Class 2 ranked No. 7 Springfield Catholic and No. 10 Clever. The Irish’s offense is humming with big plays in the rushing and passing attack, but their defense is consistently making plays helping the offense be put in good position.
After the loss to Fair Grove, Clever has rebounded with three straight victories. This is only the third meeting between the two schools. The Irish won in 2024, while the Bluejays repaid the favor last season. Big play oppouritites will be the difference and behind quarterback Jett Lewis, the Irish will make these plays on a consistent basis. Springfield Catholic 34, Clever 28
Strafford (4-3) at Fair Grove (6-1)
Strafford will try to get back into the win column after losing back-to-back games against Forsyth and Clever. The Indians started 4-1 thanks to an efficient offense. The defense will have its hands full against a strong Fair Grove team.
Fair Grove has outscored its opponents 103-0 in the previous two wins over Reeds Spring and Forsyth. Gavin Thomason and Wyatt Hallam will be too strong of a match for Strafford in this game. The Eagles are looking for their fifth straight win over Strafford. Fair Grove 42, Strafford 22
Southwest Missouri Week 8 schedule
Big Eight Conference
- Aurora (0-7) at McDonald County (2-5)
- Cassville (6-1) at Mt. Vernon (3-4)
- Monett (4-3) at East Newton (1-6)
- Nevada (5-2) at Lamar (7-0)
Central Ozark Conference
- Carthage (6-1) at Republic (6-1)
- Glendale (4-3) at Ozark (3-4)
- Joplin (2-5) at Willard (1-6)
- Waynesville (0-7) at Kickapoo (1-6)
- Nixa (6-1) at Lebanon (2-5)
- Neosho (6-1) at Webb City (5-2)
Mid-Lakes Conference
- Forsyth (2-5) at Buffalo (3-4)
- Springfield Catholic (7-0) at Clever (6-1)
- Strafford (4-3) at Fair Grove (6-1)
- Reeds Spring (2-5) at Hollister (0-7), Saturday
Southwest Conference
- Marionville (5-2) at Ash Grove (5-2)
- Diamond (0-6) at Pierce City (3-4)
- Miller (5-2) at Skyline (6-1)
- Stockton (3-4) at Sarcoxie (3-4)
Ozark Mountain Conference
- Bolivar (4-3) at Carl Junction (3-4)
- Hillcrest (2-4) at Branson (6-1)
- Logan-Rogersville (7-0) at Marshfield (2-5)
Non-conference
- West Plains (5-2) at Parkview (0-7)
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 area high school football Week 8 predictions
