The Kirkwood (7-0) will put it's undefeated record on the line at home against University City (4-4). Friday's 7:00pm game is senior night to recognize to contributions of all the players, band members, pommies and cheerleaders of the class of 2013. The Pioneer football team will have lots of players to thank, with seniors comprising more than half of this season's varsity roster.
The Pioneers come into the game coming off an impressive 28-2 win over top-10 ranked Parkway Central. The Pioneers jumped out to a big lead with over 300 yards of offense in the first half. University City pulled out a thrilling 38-35 overtime win over Parkway West to even their record at 4-4.
Kirkwood won the 2011 matchup 63-28 in record setting fashion in a game that almost ran out of daylight. The Pioneers rushed the ball 54 times for 509 rushing yards and 8 rushing TDs. RB Ramon Alton rushed for a career high 238 yards and three TDs. The Pioneers were hurt by early turnovers and big passing plays from the University City offense.
The 2012 University City Lions are led by a much more profilic rushing attack lead by RB David Carmichael. In comparing common oppenents this season, University City has beaten Seckman and Parkway West while losing to Parkway North, Summit and Parkway Central - all teams that Kirkwood has defeated.
Sorry, University City hasn't reported statistics, so there is no statistical comparison this week.
District Playoffs: In the new MSHSAA playoff structure, all teams are ranked and put into a single elimination bracket for each district. The Pioneers will probably have a first round bye (their district has only seven teams, instead of the normal eight). The second round of districts will probably take place on Halloween night, Wednesday, October 31. Click Here for more details about the new playoff structure.
Kirkwood will welcome back 2006 alumni Kyle Wagner, who now coaches for University City. Wagner played primarily at defensive back and is fifth in the Kirkwood record books with six career interceptions.
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!
