One step away: Kirkwood faces Blue Springs for state title

The Kirkwood Pioneers are one step away from winning their second state championship in football. Standing in Kirkwood’s way is a powerful Blue Springs squad from the West side of the state.

The two teams will meet in the middle on Friday night for the Class 6 state championship. Kirkwood and Blue Springs will square off in the Show-Me Bowl at Faurot Field on the campus of the University of Missouri. Kickoff is schedule for 7 p.m.

Both teams travelled across the state to win their respective semifinal contests last Friday night. Kirkwood ventured to Kansas City to knock off Rockhurst 24-14 while Blue Springs came to St. Louis to defeat CBC 35-21.

The Pioneers have been led by multi-talented dual-threat quarterback Reece Goddard, who became the school’s all-time leading passer last week. Blue Springs will counter with a big, physical offensive line and powerful ground game. 

Semifinal games this weekend 

The rest of the state will be holding semifinal games this weekend. There are still two St. Louis-area teams still alive in the semifinals in Classes 2-5. Here is the schedule of those games this weekend.

Class 5

Staley at Vianney, Friday, 7 p.m.

Battle at Fort Zumwalt North, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Note: Vianney (7-5) is coming off a stunning 63-44 victory over Chaminade, the state runners-up from last season. Battle and Fort Zumwalt North are no strangers in the playoffs, having met twice in postseason action in recent years.

Class 4

Kearney vs. Ladue at SLUH, Friday, 7 p.m.

Parkway North at Harrisonville, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Notes: Ladue will get a shot at Kearney, which won the Class 4 state championship last year. Parkway North heads west to take on a Harrisonville team that defeated perennial power Webb City in the quarterfinals.

Class 3

Monett at McCluer South-Berkeley, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Maryville vs. Miller Career Academy at Gateway STEM, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Notes: McCluer South-Berkeley will continue its undefeated season at home on Saturday while Miller Career Academy gets a shot at a Maryville program that has won a number of state titles.

Class 2

Lamar at Brentwood, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Trinity at Lawson, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Notes: Brentwood will host the five-time state champions from Lamar while undefeated Trinity will takes its loaded show on the road to Northwest Missouri to face Lawson.