Bulldogs run into tougher competition

District assignments for fall high school sports were released Friday morning on the Missouri State High School Activities Association Web Site with a few major shakeups involving some of the area's top fall programs.

The biggest impact may be felt at Notre Dame, where the Bulldogs moved from Class 2 to Class 3 in cross country.

The Notre Dame boys brought home the first state title in program history last year, and had finished in the top four each of the past three seasons.

In the Bulldogs' new district is Potosi, Class 3 state champions three of the past four seasons. Potosi ran away with the state title last year, finishing with just 36 points. Also in Notre Dame's district is Perryville, third in Class 3 last year, and Ste. Genevieve, which finished third in Class 2 last year.

West Plains, winners of 12 boys cross country state titles including 2004, also is in Class 3.

After winning its first district title in only its second year of fall softball, Chaffee will have to deal with perennial area power Kelly following a move up to Class 2 District 2. The Red Devils won the Class 1 District 1 title last year before falling to Miller 3-2 in eight innings. Kelly was a district winner last year, and the Hawks won the Class 2 state title in 2004.

While the other area softball squads retained their districts, some minor changes were made. Sikeston will join last year's Class 3 runner-up Notre Dame in Class 3 District 2 after moving down from Class 4.

Central, winner of five straight boys soccer district titles, will have some new competition this season as Cedar Hill Northwest and Hillsboro join the Tigers in Class 3 District 1. Jackson and Poplar Bluff remain in the district, while Farmington dropped down to Class 2 and will join Notre Dame's district.

Soccer newcomer Saxony Lutheran will be in Class 1 District 1.

In tennis, district winner Central will have some added competition in Class 2 District 1. Parkway South will take the place of Farmington within the district. The Tigers were shut out 5-0 by Parkway South in the sectionals last season.