Gridiron showdowns: Previewing the high school football matchups in the area

Get ready for an action-packed season as local high school football teams gear up to showcase their skills on the gridiron. In this comprehensive preview, we take a closer look at the upcoming matchups, rivalries, and standout players that will define the excitement on the field. From intense battles between long-standing adversaries to new encounters at neutral sites, join us as we delve into the dynamic world of area football and get ready for an unforgettable season of competition and triumph.

__Sikeston at Hillsboro__

The Bulldogs face off against a formidable Hillsboro team. Last year, the Hawks emerged victorious with a convincing 49-14 win at Sikeston to open the season. However, Sikeston is determined to bounce back this year and show significant improvement. Despite the tough test, Sikeston's top players to watch, including running backs Keodrick Sherrod and Trez Clark, wide receiver and defensive back Trey Gorman, and quarterback Kayden Craig, have the skills to make an impact. Hillsboro, currently ranked 17th in the state of Missouri across all classes, boasts a formidable lineup led by quarterback Preston Brown, running back Payton Brown, and wide receiver Chase Sucharski. Sikeston will need to bring their A-game to overcome this challenging matchup.

Kelly's Reece Eftink (25) avoids Malden's Amareus White during the first half Friday night, Sept. 2, 2022, in Malden, Mo.DAR/Mark J. Sanders

__Doniphan at Kelly__

In a bid to maintain their dominance, Kelly High School aims to secure their sixth consecutive victory against Doniphan in their upcoming matchup. Last season, Kelly started strong with a convincing 28-8 win at Doniphan. This year, Kelly's top players to watch, including running back and linebacker Reece Eftink, quarterback Skyler Still, and wide receiver and defensive back Ethan Graham, possess impressive talent and skill that can significantly impact the game. Doniphan will face a challenging task as they look to overcome Kelly's exceptional lineup and break their winning streak in the series. The Dons will rely on their standouts, Luke Emmons, Cliff Hodo, Madden Wooldridge, and Kaden Buffington, who have proven themselves as key contributors on the field.

Charleston quarterback Ko'Terrion Owens (9) scrambles away from Portageville's Thomas Frakes (11) in the Class 1, District 1 championship game Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, at Portageville, Mo. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)By David Jenkins/Standard Democrat

__Charleston at East Prairie__

In the battle for Mississippi County, Charleston High School and East Prairie High School are set to clash once again. Last year, Charleston emerged victorious with a commanding 34-7 win on their home turf. The rivalry between these two teams has been evenly balanced, with each side securing six wins in the past 12 matchups. Charleston faces the challenge of reloading in several areas, while East Prairie enjoys the advantage of retaining nearly every player from last year's roster. Keep an eye on Charleston's top players, including quarterback Koterrion Owens, running back and linebacker Jmaurion Robinson, and running back and linebacker Zachyran Thomas. Meanwhile, East Prairie's key players to watch are running back Tavion Ware, versatile athlete Conner Marcum, who plays running back, wide receiver, and defensive back, and lineman Cooper Oatsvall. The outcome of this intense rivalry will depend on how these standout performers impact the game.

Portageville's Aaron Dunlap (16) stretches for the end zone�during the Bulldogs' 72-20 win at East Prairie on Friday, Sep. 9.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

__Portageville vs. Savannah in Ozark, Missouri__

In an exciting matchup between Portageville and Savannah, two top teams from their respective classes, meet for the first time at a neutral site in Ozark, Missouri. Savannah is coming off a successful 10-2 season, narrowly missing out on a Class 3 District 8 championship. Portageville, on the other hand, boasts exceptional talent and a solid track record. Key players to watch for Portageville include running back and defensive back Jamarion Smith, quarterback and linebacker Mason Adams, wide receivers and defensive backs Aaron Dunlap, Beau-Hunter Warren, and Carson Bradley, as well as linemen AJ Larry and Connor Jeffries. Portageville finished last year with an impressive 10-3 record and secured the Class 1 District 1 championship. Both teams are considered top ten contenders in their respective classes, setting the stage for an anticipated and competitive game. Keep an eye on Savannah's standout players, including running back and safety Cade Chappell, linebacker and wide receiver Kaden Calloway, and Zadyen Snap, as they aim to make an impact on the field.

NMCC's Kayden Minner looks for running room against Sikeston Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)By David Jenkins/Standard Democrat

__NMCC vs. Richmond in Boonville, Missouri__

In a highly anticipated matchup at a neutral site in Boonville, Missouri, NMCC and Richmond will face off again. Last year, Richmond secured a convincing 61-26 victory over NMCC in the season opener. However, this year, NMCC's dynamic offense, known as one of the most potent in the area, will face the challenge of integrating a new starting quarterback, potentially requiring some adjustment and adaptation. NMCC's top players to watch include wide receivers and defensive backs Jadis Jones and BJ Williamson, running back Kayden Minner, and linebacker Jason Jones. Both teams boast impressive records, with NMCC finishing 9-2 and Richmond ending with a strong 10-2 performance last year. Although both teams fell short in their respective district championship games, they are expected to be ranked among the top ten in their respective classes. This game promises to be a thrilling showdown between two highly competitive teams.