High School Sports Wrap: Championship Play for Two West Teams

A meeting of two teams on opposite sides of the district football playoff race highlights this week’s Hazelwood-Florissant area high school sports action, as heads to for a big ballgame for both schools, at 2 p.m., on Saturday.

The Stars won last week’s district opener against , 21-10, thanks to quarterback Galen Brown’s 130 total yards and two touchdowns, while the Wildcats lost at home to undefeated Ritenour, 56-8.

This week, McCluer North (7-1) can clinch itself a spot in the state playoffs, while Hazelwood West (1-7) would be officially eliminated from playoff contention with a loss.

“We’ve still got a whole lot of work to do,” said Hazelwood West head coach Duane Hawthorne, prior to Saturday's loss. “But I told the kids, my preparation won’t change.

"I’m still going to work as hard as I have. I want to know if they’re willing to work harder so we can all get better.”

A victory for McCluer North would set up a winner-take-all district championship game Friday at Ritenour. The winner of that contest would not only be declared district champions, it would also earn home-field advantage for the first round of the state playoffs, which begin in Missouri in November.

Hazelwood Central football’s three-year playoff run nearing an end

The Hawks are also facing elimination from possible playoff contention this weekend, when they face undefeated Ritenour, Friday night at Ritenour High School.

Central had won its two previous contests before last weekend, but couldn’t muster enough offense—just 97 yards of total offense--in a 21-10 loss to McCluer North last Saturday.

A loss on Friday would make the Hawks 0-2 in district play, and would eliminate the Hawks from any shot at making the playoffs.

Hazelwood West boys soccer could clinch a title this week

Both Wildcat teams are inching closer to claiming Suburban North Conference championships in their respective sports, after another winning week for both teams.

The West soccer team went 2-1 last week, with wins over Pacific and Hazelwood Central, and a loss at Ft. Zumwalt South, to move its season record to 15-6 this year.

Wildcat senior Jeff Cameron had a hat trick in the win over Central, and now has scored a Suburban North Conference leading 26 goals this fall.

The senior striker, who is tied for fourth most goals scored in the entire area, will lead West into a matchup against Pattonville on Friday, that would give the Wildcats their second straight league title should they win.

McCluer North soccer has perfect week

The Stars won both games they played last week, knocking off Hazelwood Central 1-0 on Thursday, and taking care of St. Charles West 3-1 on Saturday.

Junior Zach Schulz had a goal in both wins, and is tied with sophomore Connon Clasby for the team lead with six goals this season.

Ending this week, McCluer North will play at North County Tech on Thursday; and home against No. 4-ranked Chaminade Prep on Friday.