We had a pair of dynamic duos that came up with big performances during last weekend’s first round action of the district playoffs in Missouri.
Ritenour’s Mann McGruder and De’metrius Jackson led the Huskies to a 55-42 victory over SLUH in the first round of the Class 6, District 2 playoffs. McGruder, the standout quarterback, rushed for 263 yards and scored six touchdowns. Jackson added 178 yards on 14 carries and scored a touchdown.
Lutheran St. Charles’ duo of Arcullous Heard and Bryce French put up some big numbers in the Cougars’ win over Duchesne at the Class 3, District 5 playoffs. Heard rushed for 255 yards on 13 carries and five touchdowns. French rushed for 151 yards on 13 carries and added a touchdown.
Cardinal Ritter trio makes history
Cardinal Ritter’s talented offensive trio of quarterback Ernest Wess, running back Jared Price and receiver Jameson Williams made school history last weekend. All three players have reached the 1,000-yard mark at their respective positions with Wess as a passer, Price as a runner and Williams as a receiver. It’s the first time that has happened at Ritter in the same season. Wess has passed for 1,340 yards, Price has rushed for 1,065 yards while Williams reached the 1,000-yard plateau for receiving last Friday night in the Lions’ victory over Herculaneum. The 9-1 Lions will visit state-ranked Trinity in the Class 2, District 2 semifinals on Friday night.
*The semifinals of the Missouri district playoffs will be held this weekend. Here is a look at the district pairings with St. Louis area teams. All games will be held on Friday at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Class 6, District 1
Lafayette at Eureka
Kirkwood at Lindbergh
Class 6, District 2
Marquette at CBC
Ritenour at Hazelwood Central, Saturday, 2 p.m.
Class 6, District 3
Blue Springs South at Rock Bridge
Fort Zumwalt West at Blue Springs
Class 5, District 1
Summit at Vianney
Jackson at Poplar Bluff
Class 5, District 2
Webster Groves at Pattonville
Hazelwood East at Chaminade
Class 5, District 3
Fort Zumwalt South at Fort Zumwalt North
Holt at Timberland
Class 4, District 1
Farmington at Hillsboro
North County at Cape Central
Class 4, District 2
Gateway STEM vs. Ladue at Kirkwood
St. Mary’s at MICDS, Saturday, 2 p.m.
Class 4, District 3
Fort Zumwalt East at Riverview Gardens, Saturday, 1 p.m.
Parkway North at Parkway Central
Class 4, District 4
St. Clair at Borgia
Rolla at Parkway West
Class 3, District 2
Vashon at Lutheran South
Confluence vs. Miller Career Academy at Gateway, Friday, 5:30 p.m.
Class 3, District 5
Orchard Farm at McCluer South-Berkeley
Lutheran St. Charles at St. Charles West, Saturday, 2 p.m.
Class 2, District 2
Carnahan at Lutheran North
Cardinal Ritter at Trinity
Earl’s Pick Game: Of all of these semifinals matchups, I will be looking at the Kirkwood at Lindbergh game on Friday night. Kirkwood is the defending state champions in Class 6. The Pioneers may not be as powerful as their championship unit from last year, but they are still a formidable team and a postseason threat. Lindbergh has become one of the area’s top turnaround programs with a 9-1 record after winning only three games last season. The Flyers have a chance to make their biggest statement yet against a top program such as Kirkwood. Should be a good one.
