The battle for Class 2 District 8: Mid-Buchanan Dragons vs. Lawson Cardinals
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The top two teams in Class 2 District 8 are set to face off Friday night in a matchup that could decide who places first in the class.
In week five of high school football, the undefeated Mid-Buchanan Dragons will host the 3-1 Lawson Cardinals in Facuett, Missouri, for News-Press NOW SportsZone's Game of the Week.
The Dragons have been electric, posting a 4-0 record to start the season for the fifth time in six seasons. The fast start is helped by an offense led by senior quarterback Raife Smith, averaging 44 points per game, and a defense headed by senior defensive tackle Ledger Mignery, who only allows four points per game.
For the first time in almost a month, the Mid-Buchanan Dragons are back at home, and this game means a little bit more for the community as the Dragons prepare to celebrate homecoming.
Aaron Fritz, Dragons head coach, said the stadium will be packed, and the team needs to show out for fans to make sure homecoming is presented in the best way.
"We're excited to be back here. It's going to be a big crowd," Fritz said. "There is no homecoming if you don't go out there and play your best and give a good effort."
While the Dragons are undefeated so far this season, the Lawson Cardinals will not be a pushover opponent -- posting a 3-1 record and coming into this matchup on a three-game winning streak led by junior running back Grayson Smith and senior quarterback Brogan Crawford.
Smith ranks fourth in the state of Missouri in rushing yards with 670 and is tied for first in the state in total touchdowns with 11.
Despite the running ability from Lawson's Smith, Mid-Buchanan's Mignery said the defense just needs to do what they have been learning for years.
"We know he (Grayson Smith) is a very good running back, but that won't affect how we play," Mignery said. "We just got to stick to what we've been taught, what we've been doing for the past four, three, two years."
Even though the Dragons have started off hot this season, coach Fritz said it does not matter when you go up against a powerhouse school like Lawson.
"Our kids are working hard, all the little stuff we want to do, we've done well so far, but none of that matters now," Fritz said. "We're about to play a giant Class 2 from decades ago and are still really good. We're going to be in for a battle Friday night."
Fans can tune in to News-Press NOW SportsZone this Friday, Sept. 26, for highlights from this game and updates from other games around the area.
