Panthers, Trojans set sights on 'King of the Hill' rivalry

Head coaches Greg Reynolds of Park Hill (2-0) and Mark Simcox of Park Hill South (1-1) respond almost identically when asked of the significance of this Friday’s matchup between their two teams in the annual ‘King of the Hill’ football matchup between the Park Hill School District’s two high schools. As a game with no conference or district implications on the line, both take a similar approach to the rivalry that awards gridiron bragging rights for another school year.

“We’re trying to make it just like any other game, because it really is. Our goals and expectations are beyond just winning this game,” Simcox said. “I’m not naive to its importance to the community and the kids, but we want to beat Park Hill just like we want to beat every other team we play against.”

While Park Hill has dominated the series over the last decade with an impressive 10-1 all-time record against the Panthers including a 19-6 victory last season, Park Hill South is hoping to become more established in Simcox’s second year at the helm after coming off a 2010 campaign in which they won a district title and advanced into the Missouri state playoffs. Park Hill’s 2010 resume holds the same credentials and if things work out the way both teams would like, this Friday’s matchup could also be a preview of a postseason meeting in November. The coaching staffs and programs couldn’t be more familiar with each other which bring the importance of execution even more to the forefront in what will surely be a stadium environment buzzing with enthusiasm.

“I know what they’re going to run, they know what they’re going to run, everyone in the stands knows what they’re going to run. It doesn’t make it any easier though,” Simcox said of Park Hill. “We have to be physical because they’re going to be.”

“We know they’re going to try to stop our run game. They’re going to run the ball and have a pretty good short passing game,” Reynolds said of South. “It’s going to be a dog fight up front.”

Park Hill comes into this week after a 23-0 win over Ruskin in a contest where the Trojans were able to capitalize on several mistakes and turnovers. An early first quarter safety followed on the next drive by an Eddie McDonald one yard touchdown run put Park Hill up 9-0 in the opening minutes. An second quarter Gage Wright interception gave the Trojans the ball with a short field allowing Chris Heustis room to run six yards for a touchdown. The 16-0 lead was increased in the third quarter when McDonald dashed 64 yards into the end zone for Park Hill’s final score. McDonald had 144 yards on the night while Heustis muscled out another 102 yards. Reynolds praised his defense for limting a Ruskin offense known for its big play potential to just 135 total yards and is happy with his team’s progress this early in the season.

“That’s probably what I’m most proud of is that we didn’t give up any real big plays. For us, where I thought we’d be three weeks ago, we’re in a very good place,” Reynolds said.

Starting tailback Jordan Wang suffered a dislocated elbow early in Friday night’s game which will sideline him anywhere from six to ten weeks. McDonald will move into the starting role for Park Hill, which Reynolds says will shift the team’s running strength, but not their overall offensive scheme.

Park Hill South went up against an established and tough Blue Springs South program last Friday where several special teams mistakes put the Panthers at an early disadvantage. A Panthers punt on their opening possession was returned 41 yards for a touchdown by Steven Sullivan before Panther Myles Hammond matched the score at 7-7 with a one yard touchdown run, his first of two scores on the night in addition to his 178 yards on 40 carries. The ensuing kickoff was returned by Blue Springs South’s Ben Harvel for a 92-yard touchdown before Eddie Sola was flagged for intentional grounding in the end zone which resulted in a safety. The Jaguars once again took the following kickoff back for a 69-yard touchdown return putting them up 23-7 going into halftime. Sullivan added two more touchdowns in the second half increasing Blue Springs South’s lead on the way to a 37-14 loss for Park Hill South. While the score may not have indicated the positive qualities of the Panthers play, including a 271 yard offensive night, it does signify the importance of the small things.

“We did a few things well enough to put ourselves in a position to win, but it goes to show if you don’t cover the details it can kill you,” Simcox said. “When you give up 21 points on special teams and a safety, it makes it hard to win against good people.”

Friday’s matchup will be featured live on television as the Metro Sports High School Game of the Week starting at 7 p.m.