Class 5 Semifinal Match-Up: Platte County vs Kirkwood

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class 5 semifinal game between Platte County and Kirkwood that was originally suppose to happen on Saturday has been moved to Friday due to the threat of bad weather in the form of snow, as both programs decided to move the game up for the sake of their fans and travel for Platte County. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Platte County (12-0) vs Kirkwood (10-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Platte County</strong> Key Players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='849688' first='Rocco' last='Marriott'] (6'4" 212) Sr. - The leading candidate to win the Simone Award for the best player in Kansas City and recent UCF commit is an absolute force that no team has had and answer for this season. Marriott has thrown for 3,015 yards and 45 touchdowns while being pulled early in multiple games due to big leads, and rushed for 351 yards and 7 more scores. He can pick you apart with his arm or use his 4.59 forty speed and running ability to make big plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR [player_tooltip player_id='1260478' first='Braiden' last='Stevens'] (5'10" 165) Sr. - A Minnesota commit who is a speedy big play receiving threat who can stretch the field and get behind defenses or weave his way between defenders using his quickness and elusive skills with the ball after the catch. Has caught 43 passes for 830 yards and 13 touchdowns in 12 games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TE [player_tooltip player_id='1320111' first='Brooks' last='Hall'] (6'5" 225) Sr. - One of the top tight ends prospects in the state who recently committed to UCF and will follow his QB Marriott there. Hall has great size and speed and runs routes like a wide receiver. Can get down field in a hurry and make grabs and is a tough red zone target. Had 32 catches for 442 yards and 7 touchdowns. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DE [player_tooltip player_id='1585615' first='Cale' last='Buntz'] (6'5" 230) Sr. - Yet another college prospect who is headed to South Dakota State next year. The long and lean Buntz does a good job putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and being a disrupter in the backfield. Has 8 sacks and 23 total tackles this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kirkwood </strong>Key Players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1608574' first='Cooper' last='Owens'] (6'2" 185) Sr. - The transfer signal-caller gives us another 3,000 yard passer in this game. Owens has had a terrific season leading his new team and throwing for 29 touchdowns against only 1 pick all year while completing almost 70% of his passes. He sees the field well and makes good decisions. Good accuracy and placement on his throws.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR/S [player_tooltip player_id='1130114' first='Jacob' last='Eberhart'] (6'3" 210) Sr. - One of the top athletes in the Midwest is a force on both offense and defense for the Pioneers. Jacob is big, fast and makes plays both as a receiver, where he is a match up problem, and has over 860 yards on 44 catches for 8 touchdowns. He is a deep threat or can take a short out the distance with his running ability. Defensively he can cover, play the run or rush the passer. Has 43 tackles and 3 sacks at safety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2043661' first='Travis' last='Shores Jr'].</strong> (6'0" 170) Jr. - Another playmaking receiver for Owens with speed and the ability to make defenders miss. Sure-handed who runs well enough to be a deep threat or make big yards after the catch. Has 55 catches for 790 yards and 9 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB <strong>Randall Richardson</strong> (5'10" 182) Sr. - Quick and athletic defender who has been the Pioneers leading tackler and who leads them in sacks. Makes plays all over the field. Has 110 tackles and 10 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries in leading the defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->