Gridiron Showdowns: High stakes and thrilling matchups await in Week 2

As another exciting week of high school football approaches, the anticipation for the upcoming matchups continues to build.

With every team looking to prove their worth on the field, we take a closer look at the upcoming games, key players to watch and rivalries that will define the excitement.

From nail-biting finishes to dominating performances, the gridiron action promises to be intense and unforgettable.

A Dexter player makes a tackle during a 26-14 win over Scott City on Friday, August 25, 2023. Tom Davis ~ Tdavis@semoball.com

__Dexter (1-0) at Sikeston (0-1)__

The Bearcats aim to snap a three-game losing streak to the Bulldogs, who won 45-32 last year on the road.

Last week, Sikeston lost 63-14 to Hillsboro (1-0), a Class 4 powerhouse, while Dexter upset Scott City 26-14 after Rams standout Mark Panagos left the game with an injury.

Players to watch for Sikeston include running back Trez Clark, Luke Gadberry, Trey Gorman and Bo Riddle.

Clark rushed for 62 yards and a touchdown, while Gadberry led the defense with six tackles and a sack against Hillsboro. Gorman forced a fumble and Riddle had an interception.

Dexter’s key players to watch are Lee-Michael McDonald, RJ Farmer and Jett Grams.

McDonald rushed for 137 yards and a touchdown, Farmer ran for 75 yards and two touchdowns and Grams added 69 rushing yards against Scott City.

Both teams have shown promise, creating anticipation for an exciting matchup.

East Prairie players celebrate following a touchdown during a 28-24 win over Charleston at Eagles Stadium on Friday, August 25, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

__NMCC (1-0) at East Prairie (1-0)__

These teams are set to clash in the battle of the Eagles.

Both squads started the season with impressive wins. NMCC staged a comeback victory, overcoming a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Richmond (0-1) by a score of 50-38.

East Prairie secured a narrow 28-24 win against Charleston (0-1), its Mississippi County rival.

NMCC has dominated the series in recent years, including a commanding 64-6 victory last season. NMCC has won four out of the last five meetings by a significant margin of 249-85.

Key players to watch for NMCC are Kayden Minner, Jadis Jones and BJ Williamson. Minner displayed his versatility in week one by rushing for 215 yards, scoring three touchdowns, and sealing the game with an 80-yard interception return for a touchdown. Jones had eight receptions for 127 yards and two touchdowns, while Williamson contributed 115 rushing yards and a touchdown, and completed a 46-yard pass.

East Prairie’s key players to watch include Conner Marcum, Ty Wallace and lineman Cooper Oatsvall. Marcum displayed his skills with 79 rushing yards, 102 receiving yards and two touchdowns against Charleston. Wallace showed efficiency by completing 7-of-11 passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Oatsvall’s presence in the offensive line will be crucial to East Prairie’s success.

The game promises to be an exciting showdown between two talented teams.

Kelly senior Ethan Graham catches a touchdown pass against Doniphan on Friday, August 25, in Benton, Missouri.Tony Capobianco ~ tcapobianco@semoball.com

__Malden (0-1) at Kelly (1-0)__

In the upcoming game between the Hawks and Green Wave, there is a clear contrast in their Week One performances. Malden suffered a heavy defeat, losing 60-6 to Caruthersville (1-0), while Kelly secured a convincing 35-6 victory over Doniphan.

The Hawks have controlled the series, winning 36-0 last season and seeking their seventh straight win.

Key players to watch for Kelly include Skyler Still, Reese Eftink and Ethan Graham.

Still threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, Eftink returned and interception for a touchdown and Graham caught a touchdown against Doniphan.

Malden’s players to watch are Quanmarous Farmer and Xavier Harris, who connected for the team’s only touchdown last week.

Portageville's Mason Adams (6) stiffarms a defender during a 35-34 loss to Savannah at Ozark High School on Saturday, August 26. (Courtesy of Rock Hill Photography)

__Portageville (0-1) at Hayti (0-1)__

In Week One, the Bulldogs suffered a close 35-34 loss to Savannah (1-0), while the Indians faced a 49-20 defeat against Kennett (0-1).

Last year, Portageville steamrolled Hayti 48-12 in the regular season, and the Indians forfeited the team’s postseason matchup.

Although Hayti had previously won six straight games in the series by a wide margin, the program faced difficulties recently.

Portageville entered the matchup as a strong favorite.

Kay players to watch for Bulldogs are Jamarion Smith, Mason Adams and Aaron Dunlap.

Smith had an impressive Week One performance, rushing for 245 yards and five touchdowns, while Adams and Dunalp made contributions on both offense and defense.

Hayti’s key players to watch include Noah Nettleton, Ricky Bryant and KeAnthony Taylor. Nettleton threw two touchdowns and rushed for another against Kennett, while Bryant caught a 61-yard touchdown reception and Taylor grabbed an 80-yard touchdown reception.