Playoff primer: District championships to be decided in Missouri on Friday night

QUINCY — Northeast Missouri is guaranteed to have one prep football team playing in the state quarterfinals next week.

Will there be two?

Here’s a look at the district championship games taking place Friday night:

Hannibal at Warrenton

What: Class 4 District 5 championship

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Warrenton High School

Records: Hannibal — 8-3 (4-1, second in the North Central Missouri Conference). Warrenton — 10-0 (5-0, first in Gateway Athletic Conference North).

Radio/livestream: KICK 97.9 FM, MSHSAA.tv

Did you know?: This is a district title rematch from a year ago when the Pirates beat the Warriors 55-32 as Hannibal built a 34-6 lead in the first half behind five rushing touchdowns. The Pirates finished with 553 yards rushing, including 331 from Aneyas Williams. Hannibal is averaging 252 yards rushing per game this season and 6 yards per carry. Landyn Essig and Darrion Washington have combined for more than 850 yards and 11 touchdowns, while quarterback Waylon Anders has rushed for 11 touchdowns. Warrenton senior running back Austin Haas has rushed for 1,880 yards and 25 touchdowns. He averages 8.8 yards per carry. Warriors senior quarterback Brandon Johnson had thrown for 1,625 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Warriors average 38.4 points per game and have allowed just 12.2 points per game. Senior linebacker Kadin Stroer anchors the Warrenton defense, having racked up 108 tackles and six sacks.

Monroe City at South Shelby

What: Class 2 District 7 championship

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Charles Rash Memorial Field

Records: Monroe City — 8-3 (5-1, tied for first in the Clarence Cannon Conference). South Shelby — 9-1 (5-1, tied for first in the Clarence Cannon Conference).

Radio/livestream: KWBZ 107.5 FM, MSHSAA.tv

Did you know?: This is a rematch of Week 3 when the Cardinals earned a 44-22 victory after scoring 18 points in a 2 1/2-minute stretch late in the second quarter that led to a 30-6 halftime lead. South Shelby, Monroe City and Centralia tied for the CCC championship after Centralia beat South Shelby 28-14 in Week 7. The Cardinals have responded by outscoring their last three opponents 134-40. Overall, the Cardinals have outscored their opponents 446-140. South Shelby junior quarterback Chase Moellering was named the CCC Offensive Player of the Year, while senior defensive tackle Aadon Magruder was named the CCC Defensive Player of the Year. However, it’s the versatility and depth of the Cardinals’ attack that makes them dangerous. Monroe City is just as dangerous offensive with Quincy Mayfield and Dylan Ross flanking quarterback Wyatt DeGrave. Plus, Trey Smyser has become one of the CCC’s most reliable wide receivers with his catch in the victory against Centralia going down as the catch of the year.