East Prairie and Kelly drop regular-season finales

Kelly and East Prairie both closed out their regular seasons with defeats on Friday, October 20, as they fell to Ste. Genevieve and Fredericktown, respectively.

The Hawks (6-3) were shut out 35-0 by the Dragons (6-3), while the Eagles (3-6) lost a high-scoring affair 57-34 to the Blackcats (2-7).

Kelly's Reece Eftink rushed for 134 yards on nine carries, but the Hawks struggled to find an effective passing attack, completing just four-of-20 attempts for 44 yards and an interception. Kelly also struggled to slow down Ste. Genevieve's offense was led by quarterback Luke Ferranto.

Ferranto completed 16-of-22 pass attempts for 244 yards and a touchdown and also rushed 14 times for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Jack Farlow also had a big day for the Dragons, rushing 14 times for 152 yards and two touchdowns, and wide receiver Aiden Meyer added six receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown.

Kelly's defense had no answers for Ferranto, who was able to beat them with his arm and his legs.

Kelly received the No. 5 seed in the MSHSAA Class 2, District 1 Tournament and will travel to fourth-seeded Caruthersville (6-3) on Friday, October 27.

East Prairie's loss to Fredericktown was a disappointing end to the regular season, but the Eagles showed a lot of promise in defeat. Quarterback Ty Wallace had an impressive game, completing 14-of-25 passes for 242 yards with four touchdowns and an interception.

Connor Marcum was Wallace's favorite target, making nine receptions for 178 yards and all four touchdowns. East Prairie's ground game was also effective, as Tavion Ware and Braylan Cade combined to rush for 83 yards and one touchdown.

The Eagles couldn't overcome Fredericktown's explosive offense. But East Prairie's performance in the loss should give them confidence heading into the playoffs.

The Eagles received the No. 6 seed in the Class 2, District 1 Tournament and will play at third-seeded Scott City on Friday, October 27.

East Prairie will need to be at their best to upset the Rams (7-2), but they have the talent to do it if they can play a clean game.