Southwest area high school football Week 7 predictions

SPRINGFIELD — The high school football regular season is drawing to a close. There are only three games remaining before the postseason begins. Teams are rounding into peak form with conference title and district seeding implications on the line. 

After going 5-0 in our picks last week,we're 32-7 overall. Here are our predictions for Week 7 of high school football action in the Springfield area. All kickoffs are set for 7 p.m. Friday unless noted.

Ash Grove (5-1) at Skyline (5-1)

Ash Grove goes on the road to Class 1 No. 5 Skyline in a big time matchup. The Pirates used a late touchdown from Chase Acosta to defeat Pierce City 12-6 last week. Ash Grove knows how to win close games, with three victories separated by one possession. Skyline is in fine form, averaging at least 28

points in all five of its wins. Skyline’s defense has been great, too. They’ve been shutting down their opposition and it will be necessary to defeat Ash Grove. Skyline 28, Ash Grove 20

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Clever (5-1) at Strafford (4-2)

Clever is back in the state rankings at No. 10 in Class 2. The Bluejays have toppled Buffalo and Hollister after their lone loss to Fair Grove. Clever’s run offense, led by Kendall Piper, can explode for big plays at a moment’s notice. Strafford is coming off a 24-7 road loss to Forsyth. The Indians will be motivated to defend home turf and get back into the win column, but Clever’s offense may be too strong. Clever 34, Strafford 17

Lebanon (2-4) at Ozark (2-4)

Lebanon put up an impressive first three quarters against Glendale last week. The Falcons put together a wild comeback to shock the Yellowjackets. Lebanon’s offense is capable of defeating Ozark on the road through its impressive rushing attack. Ozark’s defense will need to be sound and stick to its principles. The team that can avoid turnovers and control possession of the clock will come away with the win. Lebanon has checked those boxes consistently this season. Lebanon 34, Ozark 24

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Webb City (5-1) at Republic (5-1)

This is one of the biggest Central Ozarks Conference games of the season. It will be a battle between two of the best running games in the area, too. Republic has peeled off three straight wins since its loss to Nixa. Nolan Lashley is shining as the team’s star running back, while Webb City’s Drake Claiborne is also putting up big numbers. The Cardinals lost 36-14 to Carthage last week. Republic has all of the momentum entering this week in front of its home stadium that will be jumping. Republic 36, Webb City 28

West Plains (5-1) at Logan-Rogersville (6-0)

Two of the top dogs in the Ozark Mountain Conference will meet this week. Logan-Rogersville is the No. 3 ranked team in Class 4. They came from behind surviving a scare from Hillcrest. It may be the wake up the team needed to end the season strong. Joe Roche continues to be one of the best running backs in the area. After its Week 3 loss to Bolivar, West Plains has won back-to-back games against Hillcrest and Carl Junction. This will be the Zizzers’ biggest test of the season. Expect a close game between two teams eager to stamp themselves as state contenders. Logan-Rogersville 27, West Plains 22

Southwest Missouri Week 7 schedule

Big Eight Conference 

• Seneca (4-2) at Aurora (0-6)
• East Newton (1-5) at Nevada (4-2)
• Mt. Vernon (3-3) at Lamar (6-0)
• McDonald County (2-4) at Monett (3-3)

Central Ozark Conference 

• Willard (1-5) at Carthage (5-1)
• Kickapoo (1-5) at Glendale (3-3), Thursday
• Joplin (2-4) at Neosho (5-1)
• Lebanon (2-4) at Ozark (2-4)
• Waynesville (0-6) at Nixa (5-1)
• Webb City (5-1) at Republic (5-1)

Mid-Lakes Conference 

• Buffalo (3-3) at Reeds Spring (1-5) 
• Clever (5-1) at Strafford (4-2)
• Fair Grove (5-1) at Forsyth (2-4)
• Springfield Catholic (6-0) at Hollister (0-6)

Southwest Conference 

• Ash Grove (5-1) at Skyline (5-1)
• Marionville (4-2) at Diamond (0-5)
• Sarcoxie (3-3) at Miller (4-2)
• Pierce City (3-3) at Stockton (2-4)

Ozark Mountain Conference 

• Branson (5-1) at Bolivar (4-2)
• Marshfield (2-4) at Hillcrest (1-4)
• West Plains (5-1) at Logan-Rogersville (6-0)

Non-conference 

• Miller Career Academy (1-5) at Cassville (5-1)
• Carl Junction (2-4) at Parkview (0-6), Thursday 

Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at [e-mail]

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Southwest area high school football Week 7 predictions