Top 25 Missouri high school football rankings (9/7/2023)

Christian Brothers, Francis Howell look to rebound after road losses

Paul Halfacre | Sep 7, 2023

Lee's Summit North continues to hold the top spot after a dominant showing against Park Hill South. Liberty North and Christian Brothers flip-flop their positions while Metro Catholic Conference rival De Smet crashes the Top 10 after a shutout win over Illinois power Glenbard West on Saturday.

Rockhurst and Nixa also slam their way into the Top 10 as Lutheran North enters the Top 25 with a convincing victory over Blair Oaks on the road.

Liberty North and Rockhurst clash this week in a Top 10 matchup while SLUH attempts to skyrocket up the rankings as it hosts CBC in a major Top 15 matchup. Lutheran North travels to Francis Howell to take on another defending state champion in back-to-back weeks.

PREVIOUS RANKINGS: PRESEASON | AUGUST 30

SBLive Missouri Power 25 high school football rankings

September 7, 2023

SBLive Missouri Power 25 high school football rankings

1. Lee's Summit North (2-0)

Previous rank: 1 Last week: Def. Park Hill South 39-24

The Broncos cruised to a 39-24 victory over Park Hill South on Friday. Lee's Summit North needed less than three minutes to get on the board with Quade Chatmon sprinting nearly untouched 40 yards for the game's opening score. Isaiah Mozee scored the second TD on a 27-yard scamper. The Broncos scored 33 points in the first half before putting it in cruise control in the second half.

Next game: at Staley (1-1), Sept. 8

2. Liberty North (1-1)

Previous rank: 3 Last week: Def. Liberty 31-7

The Liberty North defense shined as bright as it could on Friday night, muzzling Liberty in a 31-7 victory. The defense only gave up 54 yards of total offense, while the Eagles chewed up 397 yards of offense with 211 coming through the air. Tillman Martin completed 13 of his 16 passes through the air with three touchdowns, while Jacorey Love rolled up 160 yards rushing on 13 carries. Keelan Smith was the main benefactor with seven receptions for 126 yards.

Next game: at No. 8 Rockhurst (2-0), Sept. 8

3. Christian Brothers (1-1)

Previous rank: 2 Last week: Lost 45-31 to Bryant (Ark.)

The Cadets fell short in a clash between two powerhouse programs on Friday, falling to Bryant (Ark.), 45-31. CBC's passing attack racked up 361 yards through the air and 25 first downs, but the loss of Jared Stewart to an ACL injury in Week 1 showed as the Cadets only mustered 40 rushing yards on 30 attempts. Quarterback Cole McKey completed 21-of-34 passes for 248 yards and three scores, with two of them going to Corey Simms, who finished with nine receptions and 171 yards. Ohio State commit Jeremiah McClellan hauled in nine receptions for 110 yards.

Next game: at No. 15 St. Louis University High (2-0), Sept. 8

4. Cardinal Ritter (3-0)

Previous rank: 4 Last week: Won by forfeit vs. Vashon

The Lions got a 13-0 forfeit victory over Vashon after the Wolverines called the game due to "an altercation at Vashon and alleged threats" and this week's opponent, Duchesne, has already forfeited the Week 3 game "due to outbreak of Covid within the football program."

Cardinal Ritter, which blew out McCluer 52-6 in its season opener, was able to add a home game this Saturday against University Academy from Kansas City.

Next game: vs. University Academy (2-0), 2 p.m. Sept. 9

5. Nixa (2-0)

Previous rank: 13 Last week: Def. Neosho 46-17

The Nixa defense flashed its muscle while the offense found traction in a 46-17 victory over Neosho. Running backs Malachi Rider and Dylan Rebura found the end zone twice, while receiver Wyatt Vincent torched the defense for two scores.

Next game: vs. Carthage (0-2), Sept. 8

6. Howell (1-1)

Previous rank: 5 Last week: Lost 42-35 to Jackson

Francis Howell's winning streak came to an end with a 42-35 loss at "The Pit." Francis Howell rallied from a 13-point deficit late in the third quarter. Adam Shipley scored two touchdowns in the second half to tie the game at 35-35 midway through the fourth before Jackson scored the go-ahead touchdown with three minutes left.

Next game: vs. No. 20 Lutheran North (2-0), Sept. 8

7. Lamar (2-0)

Previous rank: 7 Last week: Def. Logan-Rogersville 34-14

The Tigers got off to a slow start in Week 2 before rolling to a 34-14 victory at Logan-Rogersville. Lamar trailed 6-0 for most of the first half before rattling off 27 unanswered points to secure the victory.

Next game: at Monett (0-2), Sept. 8

8. Rockhurst (2-0)

Previous rank: 16 Last week: Def. Blue Springs South

After throttling Raymore-Peculiar in Week 1, the Hawklets dominated in Week 2 with a 47-10 victory over Blue Springs South. Aiden Ryan paved the way on the ground with 169 yards on just 15 carries with four scores.

Next game: vs. No. 2 Liberty North (1-1), Sept. 8

9. De Smet (2-0)

Previous rank: 17 Last week: Def. Glenbard West (Ill.) 10-0

De Smet's defense was perfect as the Spartans shut out highly-rated Glenbard West (Ill.) 10-0 at the Gateway Football Scholars Classic at East St. Louis (Ill.). The Spartans' offense, which was stymied by the Hitters' defense, was led by running back DJ White's 65 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. The defense snagged two interceptions and sacked the quarterback twice in the shutout.

Next game: vs. Chaminade (0-2), Sept. 8

10. St. Dominic (2-0)

Previous rank: 10 Last week: Def. Priory 43-6

St. Dominic ground down another opponent, defeating Priory 43-6 on Friday. The Crusaders rolled up 236 yards on the ground with quarterback Brennan Czeschin gaining 138 yards on six carries. He also went 13-for-18 for 144 yards and three scores through the air.

Next game: at Mascoutah (Ill.) (1-1), Sept. 8

11. Blair Oaks (1-1)

Previous rank: 6 Last week: Lost to Lutheran North 38-30

The Falcons suffered their first regular-season home loss since Sept. 12, 2014, falling to Lutheran North, 38-30. The Crusaders' defense harassed quarterback Tyler Bax for five sacks. Bax finished 17-for-38 for 261 yards with Nick Closser being his favorite target, connecting for four catches for 107 yards.

Next game: at Osage (0-2), Sept. 8

12. East Buchanan (2-0)

Previous rank: 12 Last week: Def. Savannah 14-0

East Buchanan shut out Savannah 14-0 to notch its 14th consecutive victory. Running back Trevor Klein scored the game's opening touchdown with a 16-yard plunge before scoring again out of the single-wing formation in the fourth quarter. Klein totaled 65 yards on 17 carries.

Next game: at North Platte (2-0), Sept. 8

13. Hillsboro (2-0)

Previous rank: 15 Last week: Def. Cape Girardeau Central 35-28

Hillsboro pounded and bruised its way to a 35-28 victory over then No. 23 Cape Girardeau Central. The Hawks rolled up 270 yards on the ground on 40 carries. Quarterback Preston Brown totaled 113 yards on the ground while going 10-for-17 for 150 yards and three touchdowns. Brown spread the ball around, hitting seven different receivers in the win.

Next game: vs. Fort Zumwalt West (1-1), Sept. 8

14. Joplin (2-0)

Previous rank: 14 Last week: Def. Willard 28-14

The Eagles' defense limited Willard in a 28-14 Thursday night victory. Junior running back Toryn Jones led the way with three scores on the ground. The Eagles' offense rolled up 136 yards on the ground and totaled 294 total offensive yards. The defense limited Willard to only 96 rushing yards.

Next game: vs. Ozark (1-1), Sept. 8

15. St. Louis University High (2-0)

Previous rank: 20 Last week: Def. Timberland 42-7

SLUH started the season 2-0 for the first time since 2016 with a 42-7 win over Timberland. Five-star recruit Ryan Wingo scored three different times in the blowout win, twice through the air and once on an 85-yard punt return. Quarterback Marco Sansone completed 10 of his 15 passes for 167 yards and four scores with Wingo leading the way with four receptions and 96 yards.

Next game: vs. No. 3 CBC (1-1), Sept. 8

16. Grain Valley (2-0)

Previous rank: 19 Last week: Def. Grandview 49-28

Grain Valley outgunned Grandview to pull away for a 49-28 victory in Week 2. Ty Williams led the way for the Eagles with 169 yards and two touchdowns rushing and also tallied a touchdown through the air from Sal Caldarella. Caldarella ended the night with 134 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Next game: vs. Oak Park (2-0), Sept. 8

17. Monroe City (2-0)

Previous rank: 21 Last week: Def. Montgomery County 44-34

Monroe City's defense scored three different times on Friday, knocking off Montgomery County, 44-34. The Panthers had two pick-sixes while also scoring on a fumble recovery. Dylan Ross led the offense with 111 yards on the ground on 11 carries.

Next game: vs. Highland (2-0), Sept. 8

18. Reeds Spring (1-1)

Previous rank: 9 Last week: Lost 46-19 to Nevada

There was no stopping a terrifying rushing attack by Nevada as Reeds Spring fell 46-19 on Friday. Nevada rolled up 574 yards on the ground. Bryce Burall was 14-for-21 passing for 353 yards for Reeds Spring with James Dowdy recording six receptions for 156 yards.

Next game: at Springfield Catholic (0-2), Sept. 8

19. Fort Osage (0-2)

Previous rank: 8 Last week: Lost 21-14 to Kearney

Fort Osage fell to 0-2 for the first time since 2020 with a 21-14 loss to Kearney on Friday. Ryver Peppers was bottled up for four quarters only gaining 32 yards on 16 carries. The offense was held out of the end zone until late in the fourth quarter but couldn't overcome the 21-point deficit.

Next game: vs. Belton (2-0), Sept. 8

20. Lutheran North (2-0)

Previous rank: NR Last week: Def. Blair Oaks 38-30

The Crusaders raced out to an early lead before holding on for a 38-30 win over Blair Oaks on the road. Dakarri Hollis accounted for 352 yards of offense, with 290 coming through the air. He went 12-for-20 passing and tossed a touchdown. Trey Bass picked up three receptions for 103 yards, while Martez Stephenson carried the rock 18 times for 102 yards.

Next game: at No. 6 Francis Howell (1-1), Sept. 8

21. Helias (2-0)

Previous rank: 24 Last week: Def. Hickman 42-12

Helias' offense rolled past Hickman for a 42-12 victory on Friday. The Crusaders rolled up 404 yards of offense with 220 coming through the air. The defense forced three Hickman turnovers in the win.

Next game: at Battle (0-2), Sept. 8

22. Troy Buchanan (1-1)

Previous rank: 18 Last week: Lost 47-28 to O'Fallon (Ill.)

Troy Buchanan got ambushed by visiting O'Fallon (Ill.) 47-28 on Friday. In the first 20 minutes of the game, Troy gave up three touchdowns on returns. Quarterback Hunter Keene scored twice in the loss, while Carter Dowell also picked up a touchdown.

Next game: at Hannibal (1-1), Sept. 8

23. Jackson (1-1)

Previous rank: NR Last week: Def. Francis Howell 42-35

Jackson welcomed reigning Class 5 state champions Francis Howell to "The Pit" and managed to outslug the Vikings to notch a 42-35 victory. It was new coach Ryan Nesbitt's first victory for the Indians. Freshman Jaylon Hampton combined for 221 yards of offense while quarterback Adrian Fox went 19-for-30 through the air for 308 yards and also ran for 159 yards. Jackson rolled up 618 yards of total offense.

Next game: at Farmington (2-0), Sept. 8

24. Lebanon (2-0)

Previous rank: NR Last week: Def. Hillcrest 56-7

Lebanon blitzed another opponent in Week 2 after blanking Parkview its season opener. The Yellowjackets blew out Hillcrest 56-7 on Friday. The Yellowjackets, led by Drew Bowling, rolled up 384 yards of offense with 362 coming on the ground.

Next game: at Kickapoo (2-0), Sept. 8

25. Cape Girardeau Central (1-1)

Previous rank: 23 Last week: Lost 35-28 to Hillsboro

After falling behind early, Cape Girardeau Central made it a game before coming up short, 35-28, against visiting Hillsboro. KeyShawn Boyd scored twice for the Tigers. Matayo Rivers picked off a pass midway through the fourth quarter to tie the game but Hillsboro was able to get the go-ahead touchdown and hold on for the win.

Next game: vs. Poplar Bluff (0-2), Sept. 8

De Smet shuts out Glenbard West at Gateway Scholars Football Classic

Photos: Rockwood Summit-Marquette football

Bryant (Ark.) holds off CBC in showdown of power programs

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Published Sep 7, 2023

PAUL HALFACRE