Prep Grid Preview ... Week 9: 'Hounds have district showdown with No. 5 Tipton

The 'Hounds' line is going to have to be effective to give senior quarterback Billy Martin (17) time to throw against Tipton. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

SWEET SPRINGS -- When Tipton head football coach Tony Braby returns to Sweet Springs, which he took to the Show-Me Bowl in 1985, it's usually a much happier occasion for the home fans socially than on the field.

The Missouri Valley College grad brings his Cardinals in Friday, with first place in Class 1, District 8 at stake. Having been in the same loop in all but two years during this millennium, the Greyhounds haven't won the showdown since a 20-6 decision at Tipton in 2000 -- and last year's 31-7 loss was closer than most.

"It was a competitive game for three quarters, which gave us some confidence," noted Sweet Springs head coach Tim Smith, whose squad went on to the playoffs as the district runner up. "They lost a lot of seniors from that team."

Still, the fifth-ranked Cardinals don't rebuild, they reload. Tipton currently has a 28-game regular-season winning streak going.

The Cardinals (8-0, 1-0 District 8) are still using the high-scoring system installed by former MVC offensive coordinator Ed Russell, which uses misdirection on fly-sweeps and traps.

"One thing they do a little difference is run their quarterback more," Smith explained. Given the talent of senior Marcus Brinkley, "it makes sense because he's a good runner.

"The outside linebackers are going to have to do a good job of containing," Smith said. "If they get to the corners, they're going to go all the way on you."

Smith is hoping the 'Hounds (4-4, 1-0) can also utilize the speed of senior Tyler Armstrong and junior David Hall.

"We're going to try to attack them in the three, four, five and six holes, then bounce outside," Smith said. "Playing competitive teams, we'll have to pass the ball. It can't be three and out."

Some might have seen a chink in the Cardinals' armor after their 33-18 victory against winless Sacred Heart, which dropped them a spot in the polls.

"Don't read anything into that," Smith said. "They scored on their first four possessions and pulled the starters after one quarter."

Because the Gremlins only had 13 players, and Braby wanted to get on the field -- after the Sedalia club forfeited three games earlier in the season -- they used the running clock the first half and shortened the final two quarters.

In other words, Tipton's as strong as ever, and this will be the 'Hounds' biggest test of the season.

"We're treating it like a district championship game," Smith declared. "I'd like to host a playoff game."

Concordia at Santa Fe

ALMA -- The Class 1, District 10 schedule gets no easier this week for Santa Fe.

Instead of No. 7 Wellington-Napoleon, which beat the Chiefs, 41-0, a week ago, in comes another high-powered I-70 Conference rival Friday.

Although not ranked, Concordia is on a par with the league's best -- having pushed Orrick to the wall earlier before a last-minute touchdown allowed the two-time defending state champions to pull out a 36-30 decision.

"I'm very impressed with them. They're balanced and talented," remarked Santa Fe head coach Andy Frerking. "The thing they do very well is execute, and the way they play to the whistle."

The Orioles (6-2, 4-1 I-70, 1-0 District 10) have many weapons, but junior quarterback Kent Schuette is the one who makes them go -- both with his arm and feet, with he proved earlier this season by running for 75 yards and passing for 172 during a 28-0 victory over Sweet Springs.

"We need to get people flying around to the football and tackling," Frerking said.

However, Concordia is also sound defensively, giving up only 19 points in its four league games that weren't against the top-ranked Bearcats.

"We've got to churn out first downs," Frerking admitted. "We need to be able to sustain blocks better."

Since the school districts share a common boundary, the Orioles usually bring out the most passion Santa Fe (2-6, 1-4, 0-1) can muster, but Frerking's focus is more practical.

"I would take execution over emotion," he said. "Certainly our kids will be excited about playing Concordia."

Fayette at Slater

SLATER -- Two teams desperate for both a Lewis and Clark Conference victory and to keep their playoff hopes alive clash Friday at Slater.

While visiting Fayette is looking to return to the post-season after a one-year absence, the Wildcats are trying to put themselves into a position for the school's first-ever appearance. A loss would ruin either team's chances in Class 1, District 9.

"It's a big-time game," Slater head coach Chris Ferri concurred. "We've had some pretty intense practices."

The Purple is going to have to make up ground from last year's 60-7 disparity against the Falcons. That will require a more effective offense.

"We have a couple of new formations we've put in," Ferri said. "We definitely need to get the passing offense clicking."

Like the 'Cats, Fayette (3-5, 0-3 L&C, 0-1 District 9) counts on speed on offense, especially that of senior running back Ethan Boulden and junior slot Trea Allen.

"They pretty much try to spread you out," Ferri said. "They try to attack the edges and use misdirection plays."

At least Slater (2-6, 0-3, 0-1) is close to full strength again after a bout with the flu.

"I feel a lot better because of our health," Ferri said.

For the 'Cats, it's now or never for accomplishing some goals for the '09 season.

"We've got to take a step forward," Ferri asserted. "We have to win this game to go into Salisbury with a chance at the playoffs.

"We've put the pressure on them," he concluded.