The 3A-2 high school football conference title remains undecided with only two weeks left in the regular season, as Newport and Melbourne are tied for the top spot with identical records of 6-2 overall and 5-0 in conference play. Quitman and Mountain View occupy the next two positions in the standings, followed by Salem, Yellville-Summit, Riverview, and Marshall.
This week, Newport travels to Yellville-Summit (2-6, 1-4), while Melbourne heads to Marshall (0-8, 0-5). Quitman (6-2, 3-2) faces a pivotal matchup at Salem (2-6, 2-3), and Mountain View (4-4, 3-2) visits Riverview (1-7, 1-4). Only the top four teams will advance to the state playoffs, and while Newport and Melbourne have secured their spots, their matchup next Friday in Newport will likely determine the conference champion.
Quitman also remains in contention for a playoff berth and must defeat Salem this week to keep their hopes alive, though additional outcomes would need to align in their favor. Mountain View strengthened its playoff chances with a key victory over Salem last week and looks to maintain momentum on the road against Riverview. For lower-seeded teams like Yellville-Summit, Riverview, and Marshall, upsets in the final two games of the season could disrupt the current playoff picture.
Looking ahead to the final week of the regular season, Marshall will face Yellville-Summit, Melbourne meets Newport in a potential title-deciding contest, Riverview travels to Salem, and Quitman visits Mountain View.
In Missouri high school football, the state playoffs are underway. In Class 5A, West Plains hosts Jefferson City in the first round. The winner of that game will face either Camdenton or Lebanon in the next round. Also in Class 5A, Branson hosts Willard, and the winner will meet either Neosho or Parkview in the second round.
In Class 3A action, Hollister plays at Seneca, with the victor advancing to face either Nevada or Aurora. Other matchups include Mt. Vernon against Reeds Spring, the winner of which will play Cassville. St. James takes on Salem, with the eventual winner facing the victor of Strafford and Pleasant Hope (or Halfway or Early). Mountain Grove received a first-round bye and will take on the winner of Cuba and Buffalo.
In the 2A bracket, Ava hosts Willow Springs, while Forsyth battles Liberty, with the winner advancing to face either Springfield Catholic or Fair Grove. Fair Grove also takes on Houston, with the winner slated to play either Ava or Willow Springs. Clever meets El Dorado Springs, and the winner will go up against either East Newton or the Stockton/Sheldon winner.
Thayer earned a first-round bye in Class 1A and awaits the winner of Hayti and Malden. Additional matchups include Charleston versus Cabool, with the winner scheduled to travel to Portageville.