SPRINGFIELD — High school football in Missouri is officially hitting the halfway point of the schedule. There are some big matchups featuring conference title implications this week.
After going 3-2 in our picks last week,
we have an overall record of 23-6. Here are our predictions for Week 5 of high school football action in the Springfield area. All kickoffs are set for 7 p.m. Friday unless noted.Bolivar (3-1) at Logan-Rogersville (4-0)
It’s a battle between two top-10 programs: No. 3 Logan-Rogersville and No. 9 Bolivar. Bolivar’s offense is led by senior quarterback Chapel Banner, and he’s been impressive through the first half of the season. Running back Kolt Hill has strung together some big runs to keep opposing defenses off balance.
Logan-Rogersville will want to secure a big
marquee win this week. The Wildcats haven’t faced a team above .500 yet this season. Quarterback Kasimir Manczuk has thrown for 540 yards and seven touchdowns. Star running back Joe Roche has shined with 11 touchdowns. This will be another big-time battle at the top of the Ozark Mountain Conference. Logan-Rogersville 28, Bolivar 24
Clever (3-1) at Buffalo (3-1)
Clever suffered its first loss of the season last week to Fair Grove. The Bluejays will need to peel off big runs and avoid turnovers if they want to get back into the win column over Buffalo. Kendall Piper continues to be one of the best running backs in the area with his seven total touchdowns. Buffalo has scored at least 50 points in all three of the team’s wins. Explosive offense from the Bison will be key in trying to knock off Clever. The Bluejays defense will be one of the best units that Buffalo faces this season. Clever 28, Buffalo 27
Fair Grove (4-0) at Springfield Catholic (4-0)
You want to be the best, you have to beat the best. The only two undefeated teams in the Mid-Lakes Conference clash this week. Fair Grove is coming off an impressive win against Clever on the road. Quarterback Gavin Thomason impressed, while Wyatt Hallam diced Clever’s strong defense. This one-two punch will be the best offensive firepower that Springfield Catholic has seen this year. The Irish have Sam Boster, a top-tier athlete, who has scored multiple touchdowns in special teams and on long offensive sets. Getting stops will be key in this game, and Fair Grove showed it consistently against Clever last week. The Eagles will have plenty of momentum riding into Week 5. Fair Grove 34, Springfield Catholic 28
Neosho (4-0) at Republic (3-1)
After its loss to Nixa, Republic rebounded with a resounding win over Ozark last week. The Tigers are led by running back Nolan Lashley, who simply cannot be stopped. He’s running through gaps while showcasing speed around the outside. Mizzou commit Keiran Govan continues to make big plays, too. This will be one of Republic’s biggest tests of the season against an undefeated Neosho squad. Neosho is led by quarterback Blayne Patterson, who has been ripping opposing defenses to shreds. A home environment for Republic cannot be understated and it will be very beneficial for a home result. Republic 35, Neosho 31
Nixa (3-1) at Ozark (1-3)
Nixa will be clamoring to get back onto the field after last week’s road loss to Webb City. The Eagles have used their ground game to solidify the line of scrimmage. Ozark will try to bounce back after last week’s loss and look to its win over Willard a few weeks ago for confidence. Ozark quarterback Caden O’Donnell has thrown some big passes this season, but Nixa’s overall roster will be too much in this rivalry game. Nixa 42, Ozark 21
Southwest Missouri Week 4 schedule
Big Eight Conference
- Aurora (0-4) at Monett (2-2)
- Cassville (4-0) at East Newton (1-3)
- Christ Prep Academy (1-2) at Lamar (4-0)
- McDonald County (1-3) at Mt. Vernon (1-3)
- Seneca (2-2) at Nevada (4-0)
Central Ozark Conference
- Joplin (2-2) at Carthage (3-1)
- Waynesville (0-4) at Glendale (1-3)
- Lebanon (1-3) at Kickapoo (1-3)
- Neosho (4-0) at Republic (3-1)
- Nixa (3-1) at Ozark (1-3)
- Webb City (4-0) at Willard (1-3)
Mid-Lakes Conference
- Clever (3-1) at Buffalo (3-1)
- Fair Grove (4-0) at Springfield Catholic (4-0)
- Forsyth (0-4) at Reeds Spring (1-3)
- Hollister (0-4) at Strafford (3-1)
Southwest Conference
- Ash Grove (3-1) at Diamond (0-3)
- Marionville (2-2) at Sarcoxie (3-1)
- Pierce City (3-1) at Miller (3-1)
- Skyline (3-1) at Sarcoxie (3-1)
Ozark Mountain Conference
- Bolivar (3-1) at Logan-Rogersville (4-0)
- Branson (3-1) at Carl Junction (2-2)
- Hillcrest (1-2) at West Plains (3-1)
Non-conference
- Parkview (0-4) at Marshfield (1-3)
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: Previewing, prediction Springfield area Week 5 high school football games
