Talk about the ultimate grudge match. Back on Sept. 25, Lee’s Summit West defeated Raytown South 21-19, thanks in part when an official ruled a Cardinals’ two-point conversion no good. These teams have represented Kansas City the last two seasons in the Missouri Class 5 state championship game, which — in the context of the early matchup — makes this one even more fascinating.

2 GIVE ME A W …

Hip-hip hooray for the Westport Tigers, arguably the feel-good story of the playoffs. With only 25 players on their roster — that number even includes the injured players — the Tigers have advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Limited resources and small numbers are just a few of the obstacles Westport has faced this season, but it doesn’t get easier tonight when the Tigers face Kearney.

3 CAN PANTHERS CONTAIN JOBE?

Don’t let the records fool you. Park Hill South may be 5-5 and Winnetonka 7-3 entering their Class 5 regional game tonight, but Park Hill South almost won their head-to-head matchup earlier in the season. The Panthers led by 15 at halftime before Winnetonka running back Darrell Jobe willed his team to a 28-24 victory with 168 yards and three touchdowns in the second half. Park Hill South had better do a better job stopping Jobe this time around, or it could be another disappointing night.

4 MEASURING STICK FOR STALEY?

With their 10-0 record, the Staley Falcons are flying high entering their regional game tonight against St. Joseph Lafayette, 5-5. However, Staley coach Fred Bouchard has been reminding his team all week what happened last year when these two teams met in the same round. Staley was 8-2 and Lafayette 4-6 entering the game. Still, the Falcons only won 19-14. Bouchard said his team is bigger, stronger and better conditioned this year, so it will be interesting to see how well the Falcons play this time around.

5 CAN LAWSON RECAPTURE GLORY?

Lawson hopes to return to the Missouri Class 2 state championship game for the first time since 2007, and it has relied on its ball-control offense (25 points per game) and solid defense (12 points per game) on the way to a 9-1 record and a seven-game winning streak. The Cardinals should be tested in their regional game tonight against South Harrison, 8-2. South Harrison’s losses have come to an undefeated Hamilton (Penney) team and a one-loss Maryville team. In the end, Lawson’s ability to advance to the next round will likely hinge on whether or not the Cardinals can run the ball tonight and get some defensive stops.

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