Finally, it’s that time of year.
Playoff football has arrived, and it started with a few bombshells.
But I won’t get into it.
All I can say is that I feel bad for the Rockhurst program along with others like Lee’s Summit North, Oak Park, St. Joseph Central and Ottawa. Make it through the whole regular season and then have this happen? It truly is gut wrenching — especially for the seniors.
Rockhurst was in one of the most competitive districts in the state in Class 6.
Yes, the Hawklets would’ve been a tough out, and considering they were slowly finding their footing late in the season, makes the situation that much difficult to comprehend.
Even with the Hawklets out of Class 6, District 3 playoff, that district is considered one of, if not the most competitive districts in the state.
Raymore-Peculiar and Nixa are considered the favorites and appear to be on track to meet in the final. One would think that the winner of that would be one of the four teams left standing in Class 6.
Not only does Class 6 have intriguing district playoffs, so does Class 5. Particularly Districts 7 and 8.
District 7 features three of the Metro’s best teams. Belton, Grain Valley and Raytown.
The most intriguing team in District 7, to me anyway, is Raytown. The Bluejays have been very consistent this season. After losing several D1 players, Raytown was expected to be down, but they responded and took care of business and have shown what they are all about.
My favorite to come out of this district? Grain Valley. The Eagles are a tough nosed team. They are very balanced on both sides of the ball. They also have one of the best players in the metro in senior quarterback Cole Keller.
Keller is a handful. At 6-foot-5 and 195 pounds, Keller leads the Eagles in both passing and rushing.
What stood out to me though, is the rushing. So far this season, he’s carried the ball 107 times for 993 yards and has scored 16 touchdowns. He’s one of the most dynamic players in the metro and I expect him to help the Eagles deep into the Class 5 playoffs.
Another team I’m impressed with is Park Hill South.
The Panthers — what can I say about the Panthers? They are fun to watch. They have a lot of talent — especially at the skill positions.
With players like Mudia Reuben at wide receiver, quarterback Nathan Ricco has to be salivating practice and every game to the ball to Reuben in open space — and I for one, can’t wait to see that happen.
