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Post by swmissouritiger on Jul 24, 2017 11:59:22 GMT -6
With Lamar winning Class 2 and Monett winning Class 3, last year was a very successful year for the Big 8. Both teams lost key players from those teams but should both be in the running for the conference championship again this season. Lamar lost several key skill position players, but their line should be as good as any they have ever had. The Monett Cubs lost several players including key players at QB, RB, WR, DE, LB and others that will be tough to replace. This is how I predict the teams to finish in the Big 8 race this year. Lamar and Cassville square off in week 1 and could be the best two teams in 2017. Good luck to all Big 8 teams and let's make this another year to remember.
Lamar Cassville Monett Seneca Mt. Vernon Aurora East newton McDonald County
Are there any fans of the Big 8 teams that have any information on their team and top players to watch for?
As for Lamar, Stuart McKarus has been cleared to play after having a scare with a heart problem. He will still be monitored but is expected to lead the Tigers at QB for the 3rd straight season. Cooper Lucas returns at running back and defensive end. He was conference defensive player of the year last year. He will have to play a bigger role on offense this year. TW Ayers returns at TE and DE, and in my opinion, combines with Lucas to form the best pair of defensive ends in Class 2. Michael Danner will get more carries at running back and along with Landon Hardman, be asked to fill a big role on defense at DB. Travis Bailey returns at MLB and could possibly be the 2nd QB in Lamar's 2 QB system. Hayden Bartholomew, Caleb Gouge, Cameron Augusta and Seth Fullerton will lead a talented group of offensive linemen and along with the pair of bookend D Ends, Andrew Hillman and BJ Gammon will create havoc on the defensive side. Several underclassmen will step up and get valuable time as Coach Bailey likes to plug in young talent to get them prepared for the Friday night lights. It should be another stellar season as Lamar will be going for an unprecedented 7th straight state championship.
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Post by dew on Jul 24, 2017 12:07:41 GMT -6
I see you have Aurora pretty low and they were very young last year. I am interested in them as they play 2 SCA schools right out the gate. Also would you or did you consider Mac County over East Newton? The reason I ask is the coaching change at EN, but you know that area way better than me. And thanks for your preview I hope to see other previews besides this one and ours  |
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Post by swmissouritiger on Jul 24, 2017 12:32:16 GMT -6
Aurora could finish much higher, I just put them down that low because of what they did last year and what I thought the other teams were capable of. Cassville was also very young last year, but had a lot of talent in their younger classes. Monett lost several key starters but, they are Monett. They seem to be in the running every year with a tough nosed defense. Seneca seems to be on their way back up to the top half of the league after a few down years. Mt. Vernon is a question mark after a good year last year where they were competitive with every team in the league except Lamar. And East Newton played very hard last year, they just were outmanned. They should be improved this year. McDonald County is a head scratcher. They are by far the largest school in the conference but, I have heard that several good athletes don't go out for football because they live so far away from the school. And they cant seem to keep a coach around for more than a year or two. Not a good situation.
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Post by mosooner on Jul 24, 2017 13:48:27 GMT -6
I like most of your order.. Lamar has to be at the top and will most likely beat everyone and beat them bad. The only question I have about Lamar will come next year after they graduate this class.. I think Cassville is the clear #2. I am interested in seeing what they have at RB. Mt Vernon lost a quality QB and receiver but I really think they have the potential to get into that third spot. Monett lost a ton, especially on the offensive side of the ball. But I have a hard time seeing them drop out of the top half. Seneca should have a bit of a bounce back year. Aurora will still be down but will be better than the bottom two... That leaves, East Newton and McDonald County. Both have new coaches and without knowing any better I will give the nod to the bigger school.. so I guess that leave me with..
1. Lamar
2. Cassville
3. Mount Vernon
4. Monett
5. Seneca
6. Aurora
7. McDonald County
8. East Newton
I could easily be wrong, time will tell.. Its the last year as the Big 8 as we know it, that much we do know. Well, that and the fact that Lamar will smash folks again this year...
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7time
Active Member
Posts: 123 
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Post by 7time on Jul 24, 2017 19:08:05 GMT -6
"We dont reload, we just shoot" - ronald moore pitt st running back '91 & '92
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