Round 2 of Centralia-Hallsville could be different: Boone County football district semifinals preview

It's a rematch. Centralia and Hallsville. The War on 124.

The Panthers won 26-20 on Sept. 2 in the teams' regular-season meeting. This has been Centralia's year so far, and Hallsville's offense was a victim of the stout Panthers defense.

This time around, however, it could be a much different game.

The Hallsville team taking the field this Friday night is not the same as two months ago.

First, Centralia didn't have to stop running back Harrison Fowler in the initial matchup. He was out with an injury.

Second, Hallsville's quarterback the first time around was Colton Nichols, who rushed for 216 yards and two touchdowns on Sept. 2. Last week, Brayden Matheney was the quarterback under center for Hallsville.

Nichols sets up a two-headed rushing attack with Fowler. But Nichols left Hallsville's loss to Blair Oaks with an injury, according to Hallsville coach Justin Conyers, and Matheney has been under center since. In his two games as the starting quarterback, Matheney has completed 21 of his 29 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown.

Conyers told the Tribune on Thursday he's hopeful to have Nichols against Centralia.

No matter who starts at quarterback, Hallsville's offense can run through Fowler. The senior has rushed for 522 yards and seven touchdowns in the last two games alone. Matheney could keep defenses honest by completing a high percentage of his passes. If Nichols is directing the offense, Centralia has two runners to try and keep in check.

Whereas Hallsville has experienced many major changes, Centralia is the same Panthers team that earned a 7-2 record throughout the regular season.

Kyden Wilkerson will grind out yards on the ground, Cullen Bennett will get the ball where it needs to go, and the Centralia defense will hit hard and often.

Back on Sept. 2, Hallsville and Centralia combined to turn the ball over six times, with four of the turnovers committed by Hallsville. Don't expect either team to make that same number of mistakes again.

Friday will be a rivalry rematch that fits well in the postseason.

The Tribune's district semifinal picks

Hazelwood Central at Rock Bridge

The Bruins are on a roll. There's no reason to doubt them now.

The Pick: Rock Bridge

Hallsville at Centralia

A Week 2 rematch, the War on 124 comes back to life in a familiar fashion after Hallsville and Centralia squared off in districts last year too. That game was close. This one should be too.

The Pick: Centralia

Southern Boone at Moberly

Going on the road, the Eagles will take on a Moberly team that is 2-3 on its home turf. Southern Boone has the pieces to play with almost every team. Look for the Evans-to-Morris connection to thrive.

The Pick: Southern Boone

Battle at Helias

The Spartans shocked the district bracket last week with an upset of Capital City, showing they're playing their best ball at the best possible time. Helias got Battle good the first time around; perhaps the Spartans can prove they're for real.

The Pick: Battle

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Centralia-Hallsville playoff rematch could be different