3 matchups to watch in Week 8: Boone County High School football predictions and preview
In the eighth week of high school football action around Boone County, there are bragging rights and undefeated records that are at stake.
Those games will come down to the best players who can decide the game with the biggest plays of the week.
Here are the best matchups to watch in Week of Boone County High School football action:
Rock Bridge's Devin Holt vs. Hickman's Rodney McNeil
It's no secret that Rock Bridge boasts speed, and Holt is an example of that. McNeil, however, is one of the best corners in the county. McNeil, who committed to Western Illinois on Wednesday evening, will have to handle Holt's speed. It's a high-profile matchup between two talented players.
Jefferson City's Kantrell Jordan vs. Battle's Alijah Jackman
Jordan is Jefferson City's leading rusher. He's scored 10 touchdowns, rushed for four 100-yard games and averages 7.2 yards per carry. Jackman, Battle's senior defensive leader, will lead the effort in trying to slow down the Jays' rushing attack.
Centralia's Jesse Caballero vs. South Shelby's Cooper Elsen
In an undefeated matchup between two 7-0 teams, having every advantage is key. Caballero is a part of Centralia's rushing attack, and establishing that run will open up running lanes for fellow rushers Cayden Dunn and Cullen Bennett. Elsen is a player that can disrupt that attack. He has nine tackles for loss and four sacks this season. Making sure Elsen isn't disruptive is the key to success.
Boone County high school football Week 8 predictions
Rock Bridge at Hickman
The Providence Bowl is back, and it's at Hickman High this season. The Kewpies are looking for that first win, and Rock Bridge is looking for its 12th straight win over Hickman.
The Pick: Rock Bridge
Battle vs. Jefferson City
The Spartans have always played Jefferson City tough. This weekend should be no different, as it gives Battle a chance to put it all together.
The Pick: Battle
Hallsville vs. Blair Oaks
It's homecoming for Hallsville in multiple ways. It's actually the homecoming celebration, and it's also the first home game for Hallsville this season.
The Pick: Blair Oaks
Centralia at South Shelby
This is the biggest test for Centralia is this weekend, as the Panthers take their undefeated record on the road against undefeated South Shelby.
The Pick: Centralia
Southern Boone vs. Osage
Osage slowed down Hallsville's offense, but Southern Boone's opportunistic defense could be the difference here.
The Pick: Southern Boone
Harrisburg vs. Fayette
Harrisburg has been oh, so close to win No. 2 the last few weeks. At home against Fayette could be the right time for that win.
The Pick: Harrisburg
Father Tolton vs. KIPP KC Legacy
Tolton, at home, against a team that allows over 20 points per game and doesn't come close to Tolton's 40 points point per game average is a good matchup for the undefeated Trailblazers.
The Pick: Father Tolton
Tribune Week 7 Player of the Week: Harrisburg's QB takes home the honor
Last week's Player of the Week winner threw six touchdowns in a game. This week's Player of the Week winner came close to equalling that.
Harrisburg quarterback Trace Combs won our weekly honor after a standout Friday night with 323 yards passing and five passing touchdowns. He's the second Harrisburg player to win the award, following Hunter Cole in Week 4.
With 69 percent of the vote, he claimed the honor.
Tribune's Player of the Week Winners
Week 1: Joey Scardina, Rock Bridge
Week 2: Austin Evans, Southern Boone
Week 3: Isaac Stinson, Hallsville
Week 4: Hunter Cole, Harrisburg
Week 5: Brayden Matheney, Hallsville
Week 6: Austin Evans, Southern Boone
Week 7: Trace Combs, Harrisburg
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: 3 matchups to watch in Week 8: Boone County High School football preview
