By Jim Fryar
jfryar@joplinglobe.com
Lamar and Pierce City collide today in a second-round game of the Missouri Class 2 prep football playoffs that is a quick rematch.
Just 17 days earlier, Lamar rolled to a 35-0 victory in a District 2-11 game. Neither coach expects a repeat of the Tigers’ comfortable victory.
“When they played us the last time, two of their players were out,” said Scott Bailey, Lamar coach. “They’ve got those kids back and they have the big victory over Warsaw.
“I know if I was in those shoes, and we had upset Warsaw, I’d have a lot of confidence.”
Pierce City, 7-4, knocked off previously undefeated Warsaw 14-12 in a first-round playoff game Wednesday. The Eagles benefited from the return of quarterback-linebacker Wayne Sooter and running back-linebacker Curtis Palmer.
“We’ve kind of shot ourselves in the foot this year (including a pair of one-point losses). We turned the ball over some early in the year,” said Brad Hocker, Pierce City coach. “In this (Warsaw) game, we made some plays when we needed to. We do have the talent.
“I have faith in our kids. They play hard and they’re hungry. They want another crack at those guys (Lamar) and that’s what they’re going to get.”
Lamar, 5-6, has won four straight games, beginning with the opening of district play.
“We’ve been doing the kind of things that help you win games this time of year,” Bailey said. “We’ve controlled the line, haven’t turned the ball over and, when we’ve needed a big play on offense or defense, we’ve been able to make it. A winning playoff formula is running the ball and being able to stop the run and that’s where our focus has been for quite a while.”
But, with Sooter at quarterback, Pierce City is a different team. He has passed for 1,387 yards and 18 touchdowns in 10 games, and also rushed for 515 yards and eight scores.
“That’s why they call them difference-makers,” Bailey said of Sooter. “He’s one of those types of quarterbacks. He has a strong arm and quick feet, he buys himself time.”
Said Hocker: “They may be a little more hesitant to blitz this kid. He’s grown as a quarterback throughout the year and he’s been making the plays.”
Lamar advanced in the playoffs with a 28-0 victory over El Dorado Springs. The Tigers have outscored their four opponents 158-8 during their winning streak.
But the ease of victory in the first meeting is a concern for Bailey.
“Most coaches are worriers anyway,” he said. “If you could just practice without having to motivate them, they wouldn’t be 15- or 16- or 17-year-old kids. ... We’re not starting this game with the score 35-0. We’re starting at 0-0 and these guys just beat the No. 4-ranked team in the state. They believe they can beat you.”
