The high school football season concludes this weekend and there are four teams from the St. Louis metro area that will be playing for state championships.
Francis Howell, Kirkwood and John Burroughs will try to end their seasons on a high note as they compete in the Show-Me Bowl this weekend at the Edward Jones Dome. The local teams will also try to stop a two-year drought of state-championships from St. Louis.
On the Illinois side, Belleville Althoff will be headed to Champaign to play in the IHSA Class AA state championship game at the University of Illinois.
Good luck to all of our area teams. Here is a capsule look at this weekend’s championship games.
Class 6
Francis Howell vs. Blue Springs, Saturday, 5:30 p.m. – Francis Howell will be making its first ever appearance in the Show-Me Bowl. The Vikings have leaned on a tremendous defense all season. Howell is led by senior linebacker Calvin Munson and top defensive end Jarrett Franklin. Defensive back Zack Perkins is also an excellent kicker. On offense, the Vikings rely on tailback Donte Harrell, who can pile up the yardage. Blue Springs comes in with a huge offensive line and an explosive tailback in junior Dalvin Warmack, who has rushed for more than 2,000-yards and scored 43 touchdowns. The Wildcats also have a top receiver in junior Darrius Sheppard. The defense is led by stud 6’3” 210-pound defense end Elijah Lee, who is a big-play performer.
Class 5
Kirkwood vs. Fort Osage, Friday, 7:30 p.m. – The Pioneers return to the Dome this year after falling short last season against Staley. Kirkwood has an explosive offense, led by senior quarterback Jordan Bishop, who is a true dual-threat performer. There are plenty of weapons on offense, including senior tailback Ramon Alton and receivers Andre Harris and Antonio Weston. Senior linebacker Jarrod Bishop leads a fast and very stingy defense. Fort Osage last played in the championship game in 2009 when they were defeated by Webster Groves. Fort Osage is on a roll after defeating defending state-champion Staley in the quarterfinals and Ozark in the semifinals.
Class 3
John Burroughs vs. Maryville, Friday, 1 p.m. – A true championship battle between undefeated heavyweights on opposite sides of the state. John Burroughs is in the championship game for the third consecutive year after two heartbreaking defeats. The Bombers are led by star senior tailback Ezekiel Elliott, who has scored 47 touchdowns. Elliott rushed for 233 yards and three touchdowns in the Bombers’ 28-6 victory over Monett in the state semifinals. Burroughs also has a stout defense, led by seniors Christian Bledsoe, Xavier Bledsoe and Foye Oloukon. Maryville is currently averaging 49 points a game while giving up only eight. The Spoofhounds are led by senior quarterback Johnathan Baker, who has thrown for more than 2,000 yards and 33 touchdowns.
IHSA Class 2A
Belleville Althoff vs. Mercer County, Friday, 1 p.m. – Althoff is making its first appearance in the state championship game since 1990, when the Crusaders won back to back Class 3A state titles. The Crusaders are dangerous on both sides of the ball. On defense, they are led by massive defensive tackle Merrick Jackson and top linebacker Eric Furmanek. On offense, senior quarterback Eric Mertens leads a potent crew that also includes Dennis Jackson, Garland Henry and Nick Hawthorne. Mercer County enters the championship game with a perfect 13-0 record.
*Here is the rest of the Show-Me Bowl weekend schedule
Class 1: Ste. Genevieve Valle vs. Hamilton Penny, Friday, 4:15 p.m.
Class 2: Lamar vs. Blair Oaks, Saturday, 2:15 p.m.
Class 4: Webb City vs. Jefferson City Helias, Saturday, 11 a.m.
