Battle at the Lake: Kirkwood vs. Camdenton

The Pioneers (10-0) take on the Camdenton Lakers (7-5) at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in a MSHSAA football quarterfinal playoff game.

The game is a rematch of last year’s quarterfinal playoff game. In 2010, Kirkwood won a 19-14 nail biter powered by two fourth quarter Pioneer touchdowns. Jordan Bishop secured the win with a last second defensive interception in his own end zone.

Key Matchups

Camdenton RB Murphy Ward vs. Kirkwood Defense

Ward rushed the ball 41 times for 282 yards last week in the Lakers’ 26-24 playoff win over Fort Zumwalt East. Last year, the Pioneer defense held Ward to 28 yards on 16 carries. Kirkwood has registered five shutouts on the season, including the last three games.

Kirkwood QB BJ Buckner vs. Camdenton Defense

is the top rated quarterback in the St. Louis area. He has thrown for 976 yards with 14 touchdowns and only three interceptions while splitting time at quarterback with Jordan Bishop. In last year’s win, Buckner threw for two touchdowns, but fumbled the ball late in the game to give the Lakers a last chance for a comeback.

The Wind vs. Both Offenses

The wind was a major factor in last year’s game. Passing the ball was extremely difficult for both teams, especially in the first half. The forecast on Saturday is currently calling for 15 mile per hour wind. Both teams return their top running back from 2010, for Kirkwood and Murphy Ward for Camdenton.

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