Park Hill looks at Oak Park as must win

Park Hill will be faced with what many would consider a must-win game Friday against Oak Park (0-8) after starting district play with a 31-7 loss to Staley last week bringing their overall record to 4-4 on the year. For the Trojans, a win this week will likely give them the ability to control their postseason future going into the final game of the season, a home matchup next week with St. Joe Central. While Oak Park is currently going through an unusual down year having not won a game this season, Coach Greg Reynolds and his Trojans have fought through struggles of their own including injuries and a current stretch where they have lost three of their last four games. Oak Park is coming off a 35-16 loss to St. Joe Central last week.

The Trojans found out first-hand why the Staley Falcons are the top team in the metro and Missouri Class 5 last week. A balanced and steady approach of the run and pass, Staley was held to a field goal in their first scoring drive of the game, but the Falcons’ combination of quarterback Trent Hosick and running back Morgan Steward were too much as Staley eventually amassed a 17-0 lead on the Trojans at halftime. Hosick had rushing touchdowns in each of the first three quarters before the duo connected on what would be the last of which was a four-yard touchdown pass from Hosick to Steward to widen the margin to 31-0 in the fourth quarter.

Staley’s defense held strong against a Park Hill ground game which was only able to produce 78 yards on 38 carries. When the Trojans resorted to the pass, the Falcons brought the pressure as they recorded six sacks on the night. Park Hill was able to put points on the board for the first time in the fourth quarter when quarterback Tyler White found Lane Holmes for a 27 yard touchdown pass, but it was little consolation as Staley maintained their lead the rest of the game for the 31-7 final score. Staley racked up 373 yards of total offense compared to Park Hill’s 132 yards.

The current points standings in Class 5, District 16 are Staley (+13), St. Joe Central (+13), Park Hill (-13), and Oak Park (-13). A win of more than 13 points in the Staley/St. Joe Central game would clinch the district title for that team, creating a battle for runner-up and a playoff spot next week.