Kirkwood and Webster Square Off in Big Playoff Matchup

Kirkwood-Webster football games always carry extra importance; a rousing Turkey Day win can salvage an otherwise mediocre season.  Monday's playoff game at Kirkwood High School means so much more.  Winning a playoff game is even sweeter when it carries bragging rights from a century-old rivalry!  The atmosphere will be electric.  Get there early, Lyons Stadium will be packed by 7:00 kickoff.

In their last playoff meeting, the Statesmen defeated the Pioneers 28-0 in the 2010 semifinals.  Since Webster advanced to the State Championship, Turkey Day 2010 was played by freshmen and sophomores.  Most of those players compose the current season's varsity rosters.  Webster's star RB in 2012, Marlon Peal, scored both of the Statesmen touchdowns in Turkey Day 2010.  The 2010 Pioneers were lead by RB Ramon Alton, DL Matt Berry and DB JJ Jones.  Check out the attached PDFs for all the a roster and recap of Turkey Day 2010, won by Webster 14-12 in horrific weather.  Cold rain turned to sleet, then snow -- all turning the natural grass Moss Field into a half-frozen lake -- effectively killing either team's passing attack.

Webster Groves Statesmen
Webster Groves (8-2) enters the game on a five game winning streak with two losses, both to top ten ranked teams (Francis Howell and Parkway Central).  Similar to Kirkwood's last opponent, Hazelwood East, the young Statesmen team relies heavily upon its rushing attack: 31 TDs rushing compared to 10 TDs passing.  Their defense has forced an impressive 26 turnovers.  Interestingly, they have not kicked a field goal yet this season.  Key Statesmen Players:

• RB Marlon Peal (#5) - 1324 rushing yards & 18 TDs
• LB Bri'on Sanders (#44) - 139 total tackles, 2 sacks & 2 fumble recoveries
• DB Rishon Loper (#11) and DB Zeb Bates (#3) - 4 INTs each

Kirkwood Pioneers
Kirkwood (9-0) brings an seasoned team looking to return to the State Championship Game at the Edward Jones Dome for a second straight year.  The Pioneer offense is extremely balanced: more than 1400 passing yards & 21 TDs with just over 2000 rushing yards & 29 TDs.  QB Jordan Bishop is the Suburban South Conference Offensive Player of the Year and his brother LB Jarrod Bishop is the Defensive Player of the Year.  Key Pioneers Players:

• QB Jordan Bishop (#7) - 74 of 130 for 1365 yards passing, 20 TDs & 2 INTs
• WR Andre Harris (#21) - 21 catches for 453 yards & 6 TDs (also 3 defensive INTs)
• LB Jarrod Bishop (#4) - 56 total tackles & 3 sacks
• LB Blake Goddard (#15) - 55 total tackles, 4 sacks & 1 Fumble Recovery

Ticket Sales: Advance tickets are available for purchase in the Kirkwood High School Athletic Office from 8:00am to 3:00pm on Friday and Monday.

Broadcast Options: Fox Sports Midwest Prep Zone is streaming a live telecast of the game.  The video broadcast (with commentary) and highlights can be watched here.

The game will be broadcast by High School Sports Caravan on 1380AM.  Listen to the broadcast online here.  Prepcasts will be streaming live audio play-by-play.

Listen to the broadcast online here.

Playoff Bracket: The winner will face either Jackson or Rockwood Summit on Saturday, November 10.  A full playoff bracket can be viewed on MSHSAA.org
  
For in-game updates, follow @KirkwoodFB on Twitter or like Kirkwood Football on Facebook.
 
After the game, the scoring summary and standout performances will be posted here on Kirkwood Patch!