MSHSAA Draws Playoff Districts

By ERIC X. VICCARO

EVICCARO@STEGENHERALD.COM

COLUMBIA — The Missouri State High School Activities Association drew up district assignments in football on Aug. 27, the same day the regular season began.

For the second time in as many years, and thanks to the “championship factor” dynamic, Ste. Genevieve and Valle Catholic have been placed in the same district.

Two years ago, after Valle Catholic claimed its 15th state championship, MSHSAA bumped up the Warriors not one — but two classes.

“Certainly Ste. Genevieve will be one of the top teams in the district,” Naeger said, “and, of course, it’s no secret that the team was knocked us out last year is very, very good.”

That team? St. Mary’s of St. Louis, where former Rams’ linebacker Tommy Polley serves as a defensive assistant.

The Dragons downed the Warriors, 55-22, on Nov. 6 at Father John Dempsey Field.

The remaining teams in Class 3, District 2 are Bayless, Bishop DuBourg, Herculaneum and Roosevelt (St. Louis).

Roosevelt serves students in the Benton Park West area.

“Obviously, the two big hitters in the district are Valle and St. Mary’s,” said Ste. Genevieve first-year head coach Jay Pope.

Pope said it’s going to be a competitive district.

Meanwhile, Class 3 District 1 features Kennett, who Ste. Genevieve nearly knocked off last Friday, plus Dexter, Doniphan, Fredericktown and the Dragons’ opponent this week — Potosi.

Kennett eliminated Ste. Gen from the playoffs in 2020.