Mid-Missouri High Schools Gear Up for State Championship Weekend
Columbia, MO – This weekend, two local high schools, Helias and Blair Oaks, are getting ready to battle for state championship titles in their respective classes. It’s an exciting time for both teams and their communities as they aim for glory.
Helias Prepares for Class 5 Championship
Helias will be competing for its first Class 5 state championship in school history against the undefeated Platte County. The Helias team is on a strong run this season, boasting a record of 12-1. Their only loss came back in Week 5, when they fell to Rock Bridge in overtime. Chris Hentges, the head coach, reflected on that setback, saying, “We had a Week 5 slip up with Rock Bridge. The guys really refocused after that, and we’ve been playing really good football.”
Junior quarterback Austin Weaver, who has ties to the team’s past success, is eager for the game. “We’re all just super excited to play in the game,” he said, as he hopes to follow in the footsteps of his brother who was part of the 2020 state championship squad.
Blair Oaks Aims for Class 3 Championship
On the other hand, Blair Oaks is set to face Seneca for the Class 3 state championship. Blair Oaks also holds a strong record of 12-1 this season, with their only loss coming in Week 2 against Lutheran North. Notably, they have been scoring an average of 51 points per game this season and dominated their opponents in the Class 3 tournament, outscoring them 192-20.
The head coach of the Falcons, Ted LePage, has focused on five key components for winning games: “It comes down to the teams that win: stand, start, alignment, assignment, and effort,” he stated. Blair Oaks is no stranger to success in football, and player Zachariah Bonnett shared his feelings on the opportunity, saying, “It would mean everything (to win). I’ve been praying about it.”
Game Day Details
The games will be taking place at Faurot Field on Saturday. Blair Oaks and Seneca’s showdown will kick off at 11 a.m., while Helias and Platte County will take the field for the Class 5 championship later that evening at 7 p.m.
Both teams are ready to leave it all on the field, and their communities are rallying behind them for what promises to be an exciting weekend of high school football.
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
