With the conclusion of the Show-Me Bowls this past weekend high school football in Missouri has come to an end for the year. Congrats to Lamar and Monett on taking home State Championships. Two State Titles in the same conference does not happen very often.
While it has been a few weeks since the seasons came to an end for the teams in our immediate area they all had some good moments and some things to look forward to.
Branson picked up a victory in the first round of Districts and look forward to returning a good nucleus including quarterback Ryan Still. The Pirates were a whole lot more competitive this year and that bodes well as they look to the future.
Hollister was very much improved and without a doubt had the best team they have had in their young history. Coach Jacob Hamon’s club won five games for the first time ever and beat a Class 4 team for the fist time in school history. They finished in the middle of the pack of the small COC, another accomplishment. With a good number of skill position players returning next season could mean another jump for the Tigers.
Reeds Spring was thought to be the best team in the area going into the season and they lived up to that billing. The Wolves went 8-3 on the season and claimed a share of the Small-COC along the way. They also brought an end to Bolivar’s 13 year unbeaten streak in Conference Play. While they graduate some important members that made this all possible the Wolves played a ton of juniors and sophomores up and down the lineup and will be in prime position to make a run in 2017.
And, I dont want to forget about Forsyth. The Panthers will make the jump from junior varsity to full fledged Varsity Football in 2017 (although they will not compete in postseason until 2018) The excitement of the new program will be something to watch. And with all the talented athletes on their way up in the school system it might not take as long as many think to field a competitive football team. Looking forward to seeing them.
Overall, it was a really good year. Personally I got the opportunity to “fill in” on Monett broadcasts the past three weeks and it only made me more excited for the day that one of our programs reaches that level. You can see things positive things happening all over the tri-lakes. The excitement of the beginning at Forsyth, the revitalization at Branson, the next-step taken at Hollister, and the Wolves sharing a COC title.
The pads are all checked in and players have already moved on the Wrestling, Basketball, or off-season conditioning but fear not the sounds of whistles and pads clanging will be here before you know it.. Only 263 days until Reeds Spring has a chance at revenge against Mt Vernon, Til Hollister takes on Pleasant Hope, Until Branson tangles with Neosho, and until Forsyth is officially playing Varsity Football…… This is one guy that cant wait.
