Week 9 of the High School Football Season in Missouri Starts early for the Lakes Region.

The Branson Pirates have their regular season finale tonight in Springfield against Hillcrest with a win earning the Pirates the outright Ozark Mountain Conference Championship, a title the Pirates won in the conference's inaugural season in 2024. The win would also get close to ensuring the Pirates a home game in the playoffs that start next week. 

The other MOARK Schools play on Friday with the Week 9 games in Missouri and Week 8 in Arkansas also having implications:

Harrison at Vilonia 
The Goblins and Eagles are tied for fourth in the 5A West Conference Standings with the top four teams advancing to the 5A State Playoffs. The Goblins two games to wrap-up the season are a home contests next Friday against current first place Greenbrier and a road tilt the following week at Pea Ridge.

Hollister at Reeds Spring
The annual Backyard Battle between the Tigers and the Wolves does not have much riding on it as far as conference and district standings are concerned but the Backyard Battle Trophy sponsored by Perry Phillips Insurance will be at stake. The Wolves have dominated the series overall but the Tigers did win the trophy last season and will be looking for their first ever back-to-back wins in the series. Regardless of results, the Tigers are close to being a lock to host a first round district game next week while the Wolves will be on the road. 

Buffalo at Forsyth
Thanks to their recent good play plus other results, the Panthers can claim at least a share of the Mid-Lakes Conference Championship with a win and could claim the title outright with a win and a Springfield Catholic loss to Clever. In addition, a win would help secure a home district playoff game next week. 

The MOARK Online Football Schedule
Tonight
Branson at Hillcrest (also on Legends 1063)

Friday
Harrison at Vilonia (also on New Country 1029)
Hollister at Reeds Spring (also on MY 100.1)
Buffalo at Forsyth