Local high schools gear up for semifinal weekend
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo (KMIZ)
Two Mid-Missouri teams will take their shot at the state championship on Friday and Saturday.
First up, the Helias Crusaders will make the trip to Smithville on Friday night.
Chris Hentges' squad is undefeated through the 2020 season, with eight of its 12 wins coming with more than 40 points.
The attack has been partially led by senior quarterback Jacob Weaver. He went for three touchdowns, one through the air and two on the ground, in the team's quarterfinal matchup against West Plains.
Friday night's trip will be Helias' furthest road trip this season, as the squad has played nine home games total.
The Blair Oaks Falcons will also make quite the road trip on Saturday, meeting the Cardinal Ritter Lions.
Ted Lepage and company have just one loss on the season, as they look for their fourth state championship in the last 20 years.
The Lions only played three regular-season games, since St. Louis delayed the start of fall sports for high school athletes. The team sits at 4-3 on the season, with all four wins coming the postseason.
The Falcon's, known for an air attack led by Dylan Hair, showed strength on the ground in a win over Lutheran North. In just the second half, Blair Oaks raked up more than 300 yards of offense, quite a few of which came from senior running back Jayden Purdy.
