High schools: MSHSAA sets districts for fall activities

COLUMBIA — Kennett High School football coach Andrew Webster said there were no surprises when district assignments were released on Friday, Aug. 25.

“It went about like I thought it would,” Webster said in an email to the Delta Dunklin Democrat.

Kennett has been placed in Class 3 District 1 with powerhouse Park Hills Central along with Ste. Genevieve, Dexter, Doniphan, Herculaneum and Fredericktown.

The Indians played Doniphan this past Friday evening in what amounted to a de facto district game in a regular-season setting.

One wrinkle of note this year is that Valle Catholic dropped back from Class 3 to Class 2. The Warriors eliminated Kennett from the Class 3 playoffs last year at Father Dempsey Field in Ste. Genevieve.

“We knew it was coming because of the championship factor,” Webster explained. “ Valle is a great team and program with great coaches.”

Kennett and Valle Catholic will square off in the regular-season finale on Oct. 20.

Malden has been placed in the same district with Valle Catholic — along with this past Friday’s opponent Kelly (Benton).

Class 2 District 1 also features Scott City, East Prairie, Caruthersville and New Madrid County Central. Caruthersville thrashed Malden, 60-6, at Hopke Field in Week One.

Because Kennett is bordered by Arkansas to the south and west, playoff travel is a headache.

“Geographically, it is always going to be a long bus ride if we are on the road,” Webster said. “If we can get the district to run through Kennett, it will be a long ride for anyone coming down here.”

The first round of district games will take place on Friday, Oct. 27.

GIRLS TENNIS

In girls tennis, Kennett has been placed in the same district with Dexter,

Caruthersville, Charleston and Saxony Lutheran.

“Last year, we had Willow Springs in the district,” noted longtime Kennett head coach Janet Hilburn. “They moved Saxony Lutheran in this year. Saxony had some state qualifiers last year, and they’re a tough team. They have a good group of players.”

During the 2022 season, Kennett topped Charleston and Willow Springs 5-0 each en route to reaching the Class 1 Section 1 Tournament.

Already this season, Kennett defeated Charleston, 9-0, on the road. They face Dexter today in another road clash. Saxony Lutheran visits Kennett on Sept. 20.

Hilburn reported Kennett will serve as host of the individual district tournament. The individual tournament is set for Sept. 30.

Team tournaments are scheduled for Oct. 2-5.

VOLLEYBALL

With 11 schools playing volleyball in the Delta Dunklin Democrat coverage area, schools are spread out when it comes to district draws.

Volleyball district tournaments will take place from Oct. 17-24.

In Class 1 District 2, Gideon has been named tournament host. The district also features Campbell, Clarkton and Risco.

“Being the Class 1 District 2 host means a lot to me,” Gideon head coach Kristen Ashabranner said. “We have six seniors who have never hosted the tournament while playing at the varsity level. We are hoping for a competitive tournament, and wish all the teams good luck.”

South Pemiscot, located in Steele, will host Southland, Holcomb, Delta C-7 and Cooter for the Class 1 District 1 tournament.

Malden has been named host of the Class 2 District 1 tournament, which will include Senath-Hornersville. The Lions swept the Green Wave on Monday in a possible district preview match.

"We have hosted many district tournaments," Malden athletic director Tim Harmon said. "It helps that Malden is centrally located. We have plenty of parking and five locker rooms we can use."

Harmon also thanked Malden's school staff for assisting when the school district serves as a tournament host.

Kennett has been placed in Class 3 District 1, with Dexter serving as the host site.

The Indians could face any one of the other following schools at the event: Doniphan, Fredericktown, Cape Notre Dame and Saxony Lutheran.

"Saxony moving into District 1 is new for me," Kennett head volleyball coach Kristy Green said. "Historically, Notre Dame and Dexter are the teams to watch. Saxony Lutheran definitely adds itself to the list."

MSHSAA will release cross country district assignments on Friday, Sept. 8.