Matchup between undefeated CBC and Francis Howell highlight Week 9 football games

Something will have to give when the Francis Howell Vikings play at CBC.

Here it is the final week of the high school football regular season and the highlight of Week 9 is a matchup between two undefeated teams — CBC and Francis Howell. Both squads are sporting spotless 8-0 records.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Friday (Oct. 19) on the Cadets’ home turf.

Two unbeaten teams playing in the last week of the regular season should produce a great game. Will it live up to the billing?

“I do think it will live up to the level of hype,” CBC coach Scott Pingel said. “High school football is about two teams playing for the letters on their chest and the pride in their school. I really think that this game will come down to who wants it more.”

Once the regular season is complete, the seedings in each district will be released by the Missouri State High School Activities Association. Every team will get a 10th game with the winners advancing.

Last year, CBC defeated Francis Howell 47-26. In 2010, the Cadets won 45-31.

Francis Howell coach Bryan Koch said it doesn’t seem possible it is already the final week of the regular season.

“The season always seems to fly by faster and faster every year,” Koch said. “I think it goes by so fast because we have the greatest job on the planet. We are so blessed at Howell to have great kids that do everything we ask of them and give us everything they have. It makes coming into ‘work’  fun.”

Pingel agreed.

“I cannot believe that we are in week 9,” Pingel said. “We talked about it yesterday as a staff and it makes you want to relish each moment even more.”

Going undefeated through the first eight games of the season did not enter Koch’s mind. The Vikings work to prepare for games and then try to get better each week. Wins come off that.

“Our kids set goals throughout the off season and continue to set goals into the season,” Koch said. “Our focus is not about wins and losses — our goal is to get better everyday. We want to maximize every opportunity we have whether it is a morning weight session, a film session, or practice.”

CBC finished second in Class 6 last year and been ranked No. 1 this season in the Missouri poll by sportscasters and sportswriters. Graduate hit the Cadets with several standouts leaving.

With new players coming in, especially at quarterback, Pingel did not know what to expect.

“We were not sure what was going to happen going into the year. We had a lot of new starters but we had some experience coming back,” Pingel said. “I thought we could win a few but our team has  played well this year.”

A big test awaits both teams. It is important because the postseason seedings could be affected.

“With the new playoff system, every game is important,” Koch said. “CBC is a great team, there is no doubt about that.  We focus on what we can control and that’s us. We cannot control the opposing team, the weather, the fans — we can only control what we do, so that is what we focus on, us getting better everyday.”

Pingel said his squad respects Francis Howell and is looking forward to meeting the Vikings.

“The team is excited to be playing Francis Howell no matter what the record,” Pingel said. “We know that coach Koch is a tremendous coach and will have his team ready. Our guys will be ready.”

Koch said he also has great respect for CBC. A look at the statistics explains why.

The Cadets are an offensive powerhouse, scoring 42.1 points a game. The defense is stout, too. CBC allowed only 7.6 points a game this season.

Junior quarterback Tyler Creath sparks the CBC offense with 1,784 yards passing against just six interceptions. He is accurate with 131 completions in 190 attempts. Creath has thrown for 22 touchdowns. Senior Aarion Penton has 36 receptions and averages 14.8 yards a catch. Senior running back Jonathan Parker has gained 825 yards and averages 7.8 yards per carry.

On defense, senior Zach Turnure has 38 tackles and six sacks and two interceptions. Senior Cy Stoltz has 34 tackles and four sacks. Senior defensive back Bert Birdsall leads the Cadets with three interceptions.

“CBC is a great team,” Koch said. “They have great players at every position, and are very well coached. Coach Pingel has done a great job with that program.”

Francis Howell has weapons, too. The Vikings are averaging 34.6 points per game.

Senior running back Donte Harrell has rushed for 965 rushing and he also has 118 yards receiving. Harrell has scored 20 touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Mike Glass has thrown for 677 yards and four touchdowns.

Defensively, the Vikings allow 7.8 points a game. Senior linebacker Calvin Munson leads the defense with 83 tackles and has seven sacks. Senior defensive lineman Jarrett Franklin has nine sacks and a fumble recovery. Senior defensive back Zac Perkins has five interceptions.

“They have a tremendous defense with their defensive line and linebackers setting their tone,” Pingel said. “They are a stonewall.  On offense they have a dynamic quarterback and running back.”

There are several keys in the game for Francis Howell to leave CBC with a win, Koch said.

“Offensively, we need to protect the football,” Koch said. “Defensively, we need to finish tackles and create turnovers.  On special teams we need to play hard, play fast, and play with passion.”

Pingel has his thoughts on what CBC must do in the game.

“We have to try to win the line of scrimmage,” Pingel said. “They are big and fast on both sides of the ball. If we can slow down their run game we might have a chance.”

Here are the games that will be played Thursday (Oct. 18):

De Smet vs Vashon at Gateway Tech, 6:30 p.m.

Parkway South at Eureka, 7 p.m.

MICDS at St. Charles West, 7 p.m.

Here are the games, all with 7 p.m. kickoffs, that will be played Friday:

Webster Groves at Parkway North

Summit at Parkway Central

Fox at Lafayette.

Parkway West at Seckman

Westminster  Christian Academy at Duchesne

Marquette at Northwest

Kennedy at DuBourg

Chaminade at Poplar Bluff

Here is the game that will be played Saturday (Oct. 20):

Cuba at Principia, 1 p.m.