Homecoming Wake-up Call
It seems to be almost cliche, but there are times when, for some reason, homecoming messes with a young football player's mind. Maybe it's the big crowd, maybe it's a game against a traditionally inferior opponent, maybe it's the dance and his date. Whatever it is, I've seen a lot of weird things happen on homecoming both in high school and college over the years. When Hallsville went up 14-0 at Wardsville Friday night, I thought we might be on our way to another homecoming horror show. That all changed in a matter of moments of course....the game turned from a homecoming upset to Maddon '99 with the cheat code on. Let's go to the scoreboard.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Blair Oaks 69, Hallsville 21
This the first time all season that the Falcons appeared to not be fully ready for a game. Before Friday night, coach Ted LePage assured me that his squad knew Hallsville had some "dudes" that were great athletes...and that they could have their hands full with an Indian team that traditionally scores first against its opponents.
And Hallsville's main dude made the Falcons pay early. B.J. Fisher was a one man gang,,,a 90 yard t.d. on the opening kickoff...a touchdown pass and two point conversion...and Hallsville was up 14-0 after three minutes. Then someone turned on the Playstation 1.
6:16 first quarter...Hair to Edler...14 yd. touchdown pass
3:34 first quarter...Pritchitt 3 yd run
2:51 first quarter...Pritchitt 27 yard int. return
:52 first quarter...Hair to Thomas, 24 yd. touchdown pass
11:15 second quarter...Prenger 29 yd. interception return
8:54 second quarter...Hair to Pritchitt 50 yd. touchdown pass
8:16 second quarter...Hair to Edler 27 yard touchdown
4:47 second quarter...got up to go to the fridge...the game...I mean Hallsville scores one
2:32 second quarter...Pritchitt two yard run
0:00 second quarter...Hair to Thomas 29 yard touchdown pass.
Halftime...phew...that's 62-21 of you're keeping track. Third quarter...9:11 to go...Hair runs one in from 9 yards out...time to pull the plug on this game and time for some Metal Gear Solid.
Has anybody ever had a better homecoming? Braydin Pritchitt voted homecoming king....then goes out and score four touchdowns three different ways? This is quickly becoming one of my favorite Blair Oaks teams ever. Oh...and how about Nolan Hair? 21 touchdowns...no interceptions in 111 attempts? Goofy numbers.
Now...the Falcons got off to a slow start against Hallsville, but that only seemed to make them mad. Now...this week they'll be hosting a red hot Southern Boone team on the road, led by perhaps the best all around football player in the conference...quarterback Sam Stichnote. The winner likely wins the conference. Another slumbering start by the boys in green could spell trouble. I have a feeling coach Ted has the team's full attention.
Helias 57 Father Tolton 28
Helias finally put its big boy pants back on and rumbled over, around and through a pretty good Father Tolton on a beautiful homecoming Saturday night at Hentges Stadium. The Helias offense was brutally efficient with Zach Covington and Blake Veltrop combining to run for 331 yards...most of it straight up the gut against a Tolton defensive line that featured four guys over 240 pounds. Father Tolton can move the ball...and if quarterback Robert Hunter is on target on a given night...look out. As it was, the 6-5 senior was 21-42 for 222 yards. Tolton lost its fifth straight against a brutal schedule.
Rock Bridge 42, Jefferson City 21
This game was a hard fought battle that got away from the Jays late. Jeff City led 21-14 with eight minutes left in the third before giving up the last 28 points in the game. Coach Walker wants to see his team finish these close games.
Battle 37, Hickman 20
After a promising start, the Kewpies have now dropped five in a row, but they were in this one from the start...again.
Hannibal 47, Fulton 0
The Hornets's season continues to sink slowly in the west. The end can't get here too quickly.
Southern Boone 40, Osage 7
Speaking of wake up calls, Versailles dropped a bomb on Southern Boone a few weeks ago. Now the Eagles seem to be on a mission and have the Falcons squarely in their sites. It's the Game of the Century Friday night in Ashland.
Camdenton 34, Lebanon 28
Rolla 34, Waynesville 28 (OT)
Lawrence Free State (KS) 51, Smith-Cotton 0
Hopefully when the new mid-Missouri conference kicks into gear in a couple of years, the Tigers won't have to face the best football team in Lawrence...high school or college.
Moberly 37, Marshall 13
Moberly's having a big year...with Hannibal next.
Mexico 35, Centralia 14
North Callaway 42, Bowling Green 6
Still think this T-bird team won't be stopped until it comes to Wardsville in week 12.
South Callaway 42, Clopton/Elsberry 20
The Bulldogs are having another one of their quietly efficient, solid years.
Eldon 46, California 35
After Blair Oaks blows through...the Mustangs are back to their free-scoring ways.
Boonville 42, Versailles 14
I've said it before...the Pirates are the second best team in the Tri-County Conference
Montgomery County 28, Wright City 8
Well...looky here...the Wildcats get a conference win. Perhaps they won't be the first night district foe for the Falcons.
Sullivan 10, Hermann 7
Maybe Hermann will...
Pacific 28, Owensville 21