http://www.joplinglobeonline.com/znewsblog/behindlights/index.php Copyright 2008, Joplin Globe webadmin@joplinglobe.com (Joplin Globe) en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.5 http://www.joplinglobeonline.com/znewsblog/behindlights/index.php?entry=entry080828-235403 I’ll take over for Zach Ewing, who did a great job with this blog last season before moving on to the sunny land of California.
Hopefully, I’ll be able to keep a few of you informed and entertained just a bit with a view of the football season through the eyes of a reporter.
We’ll cover some of the basics (games to watch, etc.) and I should be able to add some stuff that didn’t fit into the Sports section in the morning paper.

Week 1 (in Missouri, anyway)

High school football starts a week early in the Show-Me State, thanks to a new rule that allows two teams from each district to advance to the playoffs, thus expanding the postseason by a week.
A few games to keep on eye on, and some extremely uneducated picks (hey, aren’t they all uneducated this early in the season?):

Glendale at Joplin

The Eagles got some bad news this week when Barrett Noirfalise had season-ending surgery. They’ll open the season against a dangerous Glendale team while trying to push Noirfalise’s absence to the back of their minds.
The Falcons boast a powerful offensive attack with quarterback Kevin Redmon throwing to a band of tall, talented receivers.
Joplin likes to throw, too. The difference in this game will be the defenses, and Joplin’s is probably stronger.
Joplin 37, Glendale 21


Webb City at Harrisonville

Webb City opens with tough task, facing a Harrisonville that has won 41 straight games and three consecutive Class 3 state titles.
The Cardinals will need to establish a solid running game in order to run some clock and keep the ball away from Harrisonville.
Webb City, as always, will be a good team that will make some noise in the playoffs. I’m just not sure if they’re up for this big of a challenge this early in the season.
Harrisonville 28, Webb City 19


Nixa at Carthage

Carthage is coming off a stellar season and has a lot of talent back. Don’t know much about Nixa at this point, but I know enough to say Carthage will win this one.
Carthage 36, Nixa 15


Carl Junction at Lamar

CJ lost some key players from last year’s impressive squad, by the Bulldogs will likely reload. They have some experienced seniors who will make sure the 2008 season kicks off with a win against an improved Lamar team.
Carl Junction 27, Lamar 14


That’s all we’ll try for this week. There’s a good chance I’ll look like a fool once all the games are final, but it sure won’t be the first time.
Be sure to check back at joplinglobe.com Friday night for updated scores from the games we're staffing. Also, if this high-fallutin' wireless technology cooperates, I'll try to post some in-game thoughts from Junge Field.]]> http://www.joplinglobeonline.com/znewsblog/behindlights/?entry=entry080828-235403 webadmin@joplinglobe.com Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:54:03 GMT