It wasn't pretty, but...

Blair Oaks 32, Eldon 12

This one was all about character friends. And we found out the Falcons have a lot of character...and characters. The Falcons offense made just enough plays, while the defense took Eldon's best punches, staggered a few times, but held when it counted as the the Falcons got a big win. Everything went right for Blair Oaks on its opening offensive drive...after that...not so much. Eldon went on a long drive to tie the score at 6...and then more offensive woes. Blair oaks gets the ball back with about 30 seconds left in the first half deep in its territory. Last play of the half...why not? Easily the best ball of the night as Stockman hits Edler (sorry Marcus...called you Ben Thomas or the second week in a row) and it's 12-6 going to halftime. late third quarter...Blair Oaks just can't get out of the shadow of its own goal post. Third and ten at the three? Sure...why not? This time, Eldon gets caught with at least eight in the box...Luebbering beats the corner, then outruns everyone down the field for 97 yards. 18-6...and at that point, you just felt the game was over. Eldon is anything but a quick strike offense, and even though they scored to make it 18-12, you just never felt like Blair Oaks was in trouble the rest of the way.

I did like the pistol offense Blair Oaks went to late with Lentz and Pritchett getting carries against a tiring Eldon defense. Speaking of tiring defenses, Blair Oaks just didn't. Eldon figured out that Isaiah Merida wasn't going to out run the Falcons to the corners, so it was 195 pound fullback Isaiah Parsons again and again and again behind the half ton of beef the Mustangs had at the guards and center. The Falcons bent, (as would most bridges) but didn't break. Kudos to the inside guys and I thought Drew Boessen and Bryant Gipe had their best games of the season at linebacker.

Cade Stockman did well...more than 230 yards passing on 10 completions. There were a couple of interceptions...and a couple of others that were dropped...but he'll get better. Riley Lentz continued to prove he's a long run waiting to happen with a couple of explosions...one late..one early.

Mostly, the Falcons stepped up in an important game. There were some missed opportunities, the defense limited big plays and some players stepped forward in new roles. Again, I think this bunch's best days are ahead of it.

Let's hope for continued improvement on Friday...they're going to need it against Hallsville. It's sometimes easy to forget the Indians up in northern Boone County, but they made a big noise Friday night with their win over Southern Boone. This won't be a walk in the park for sure.

Har-Ber (AR) 38, Jefferson City 0

Jeff. City plays another number one team from another state, and gets dominated. Jays defense played gallantly, but the offense never got going.

Helias 49, Hickman 7

Kewpies quarterbacks complete as many passes to Helias defenders (6) as to their own receivers. Crusaders take three back for touchdowns. This one got out of hand as Helias wins at Hentges Stadium for the first time. I still say this Helias team is getting better and better. We'll find out this week how much better as the Crusaders take on Battle.

Lee's Summit 27, Rock Bridge 21

Don't know if this was necessarily an upset, but you did feel as if Rock Bridge had a lot of momentum going for it coming into this road contest.

Vianney 52, Battle 32

Typical Vianney - Battle game. These teams don't care about defense...or at least don't play it when they face each other. Battle obviously not the team they have been over the past three seasons fell way behind in this one.

North Callaway 33, South Callaway 29

What a titanic struggle. South Callaway scores with about 2 and a half minutes left...North Callaway scores with under a minute to play. Look out for the Thunderbirds. This was a big win against a very good team.

Centralia 48, Brookfield 7

Mexico 28, Hannibal 14

Mexico will make up ground in the Class 3 district 6 standings on Blair Oaks with this win over a bigger class school. Falcons need to keep winning to make sure it gets home field advantage for the district playoffs.

Moberly 35, Fulton 0

I thought Fulton was cooking after an opening week loss to School of the Osage. Doesn't look like it now as the Hornets fall to 1 and 3.

Hallsville 28, Southern Boone 24

Shocker of the night, although we knew Hallsville is much better than they have been for the last few years. They'll be 3 and 1 when the Falcons face them Friday night. Two losses in a row for the Eagles.

Versailles 13, California 6

California scores first...then not again. Versailles is not a bad ball club...just pretty thin roster-wise.

Osage 38, Warsaw 0

I think the Indians have recovered from their week two loss. They are taking care of business yet again...and waiting on the Falcons in a couple of weeks.

Boonville 27, Tolton 17

We think the Tri-County Conference is pretty good this season? Just wait til the fighting Barry Blanks join the conference next year.

Knob Noster 28, Tipton 26

Camdenton 35, Kickapoo 7

St. James 46, Owensville 32

Looks like St. James is for real...and Owensville is in real trouble.

Joplin 26, Rolla 21

Smith-Cotton 35, Pleasant Hill 14

Kirksville 38, Marshall 0

Springfield Parkview 43, Waynesville 36

Will the fighting Drehles ever get a break?