The postseason is upon us on the Missouri side as the district playoffs get underway this weekend. After a nine-game regular season, each team goes back to 0-0 as single elimination district play begins on Friday night. The next three weeks should be most interesting on the field.
Here is a brief look at the upcoming districts:
Class 6
District 1: The top two seeds are Kirkwood (7-1) and Eureka (8-1). Barring any upsets, these two state-ranked teams appear on a collision course for the championship game in three weeks. One dark horse team in the field is Lafayette (4-5), which has played a tough schedule. The Lancers were tied late in the third quarter against Kirkwood and lost to Eureka 17-15 this season.
District 2: CBC and Hazelwood Central received the No. 1 and No. 2 seed, respectively. Both are 9-0 and appeared heading for a big showdown for the district title in three weeks. However, you cannot overlook SLUH (7-2), which is coming off an impressive 38-35 victory over Kirkwood to close out the regular season.
District 3: Undefeated Francis Howell drew the top seed with its 8-0 record. The Knights have been impressive all season. Also in the district are top Mid-Missouri teams Jefferson City and Columbia Rock Bridge.
Class 5
District 1: Southeast Missouri area power Jackson is the top seed in this district. The Indians could be challenged by St. Louis area teams Vianney, Summit and Parkway South.
District 2: Webster Groves is the No. 1 seed in this very talented district. The Statesmen are seeking a trip to the state finals after getting to the semifinals last season. Also in the district are good teams from Ladue, Pattonville, Chaminade and McCluer North, who are all 6-3.
District 3: A very competitive district with 8-1 Fort Zumwalt North getting the top seed. Fort Zumwalt East, Parkway Central and Fort Zuwmalt South are also threats to win this district as well.
Class 4
District 2: The top two teams in this district are Miller Career Academy (8-1) and Affton (9-0). They appear headed for a big showdown for the title in three weeks. Looking to spring the upset are teams such as St. Mary’s and Gateway STEM.
District 3: Top-seed St. Charles West is on a rolling after winning seven consecutive games, defeating the likes of Class 5 Fort Zumwalt South and Ladue along the way. Jennings is the No. 2 seed and looking good at 7-2. Clayton brings a strong passing attack to the No. 3 spot.
District 4: Westminster is the top seed with an impressive 8-1 record. They defeated No. 2 seed Borgia last Friday in the regular-season finale. A rematch in three weeks is very possible, but you cannot overlook No. 3 seed Union and its potent passing attack.
Class 3
District 2: John Burroughs is the No. 1 seed with its 8-1 record. The Bombers have advanced to the state semifinals the past four years. Soldan checks in as the second seed.
Class 2
District 2: Cardinal Ritter is the No. 1 seed in the district, followed by Herculaneum and Carnahan. This one is wide open.
District 5: Lutheran North (8-1) is the No. 1 seed in this district. The Crusaders advanced to the state semifinals a year ago. Hermann (7-2) and Brentwood (9-0) are also in the district. They should have a very good semifinal contest in two weeks.
