2019 Power Rankings

Preseason Power Rankings

Throughout the season, editor Brett Adkison and sports reporter Clint Dye drop their power rankings for the KCI Conference. Unlike predictions or regular standings, power rankings are opinion-based and look beyond records and final scores to see who sits atop the pile.

Without any further delay, here are The Leader's Too Early and Ultimately Inconsequential Preseason Power Rankings.

Leader Editor Brett Adkison - ​

1. ​Lathrop (2018 Record: 14-1) If the Mules want to retain their KCI or district championships from one year ago, they'll get some stiff competition from their conference-mates this season. Coming off their first appearance in the state title game, a large senior class will be the rock for the Mules.
2. Mid-Buchanan (2018 Record: 9-5) Listen. Lawson's going to come for this spot. Maybe they'll take it. But the Mid-Buchanan Dragons were a score away from the Missouri Class 1 State Championship game last year, beating KCI rivals Plattsburg, East Buchanan and Hamilton along the way. So for the moment, Mid-Buchanan lands near the top.
3. Lawson (2018 Record: 10-2) The Cardinals suffered just two losses in 2018, both coming against Lathrop. One ended Lawson's quest for the district title and the other ended their quest for a conference title. And both of those games came in Lathrop, so the Cardinals will have the chance in 2019 to call the Mules back south for a chance at revenge.
4. Hamilton (2018 Record: 9-4) If you want evidence as to Hamilton's status as a premier Class 1 football program, look no further than their “off year” in 2018, which included a 9-2 record against fellow Class 1 schools and another appearance in the Missouri state quarterfinals.
5. East Buchanan (2018 Record: 8-3) The Bulldogs won the first six games of the 2018 season but struggled down the stretch, falling in three of their last five. East Buchanan will need to replace Tyler Schottel under center, but with Owen Fortney and Tucker White returning along with others, defenses will need to be sound to win against the Bulldogs.
6. North Platte (2018 Record: 3-8) Here's the shame in playing in such a tought KCI Conference. The Panthers lost eight games last year, but defeated both West Platte and Plattsburg, while also putting together an impressive performance in the postseason, downing Leblond in the opening round before losing 46-30 to Wellington in the district semifinals.
7. West Platte (2018 Record: 1-9) West Platte struggled mightily last year, dropping nine straight games after winning the first contest against King City. There's some traffic ahead of the Bluejays on this list.
8. Plattsburg (2018 Record: 2-8) The Plattsburg Tigers Struggled through the season, graduated a vital senior class and are again under direction of a new head football coach. It might take some time for the Tigers to find their feet, but if they could come together under a new system, they have a great chance to move up the rankings.

​Leader Reporter Clint Dye

1. Lawson (LS: 10-2) - The Cardinals had a heck of a run in 2018, the only problem was they faced Lathrop twice, falling in both contests. With a stacked senior class leading the way the Cardinals have a good shot at winning the KCI crown for the first time in what seems like forever. Do it all player Andrew Stevens could be the conference's most dangerous player.
2. Lathrop (Last season 14-1) - After dominating their way through the regular season and the playoffs the Mules ran into a buzz saw in the State Championship game, falling to Blair Oaks. They are losing an influential senior class, but head coach Chris Holt has built the program up to the point where they don't rebuild but instead just reload. Expect another strong season in Lathrop.
3. Mid-Buchanan (Last season 9-5) - Coach Aaron Fritz led the Dragons to new heights last season, getting his team to the Class 1 Semi-Finals. It will be interesting to see how they handle no longer being the underdogs but rather a preseason contender for the KCI crown. Having starting quarterback Javan Noyes returning to lead the way will certainly help.
4. East Buchanan (Last season 8-3) - For the first time since 2012 the Bulldogs missed out on the opportunity to play for a District Championship, falling to Mid-Buchanan in the District Semifinals a year ago. Now the Bulldogs have refocused on getting back to the postseason and making a deep run. Nice sized senior class will help lead the way, biggest question mark is replacing All-State and three year starting quarterback, Tyler Schottel.
5. Hamilton (Last season 9-4) - As with East Buchanan, Hamilton fell to Mid-Buchanan in the post season. Hornets always seem to re-load and find themselves in the mix when it comes to the KCI Conference. One shouldn't expect anything less this season.
6. North Platte (Last season 3-8) - One of the youngest teams in the conference in 2018 the Panthers showed a glimpse of promise throughout the season. Returning a more experienced group should help them improve in 2019, still probably a ways away from contending in the KCI, but a District run is quite possible.
7. Plattsburg (Last season 2-8) - Stop me if you've heard this before, Plattsburg enters the football season with a new head coach. For the fourth time in four years the Tigers are adjusting to a new man in charge. Ross Rosenbaum will take the reins this season in hopes of making the Tigers a more competitive squad. Cabinet is not empty as an athletic senior class looks to get the program running in the right direction.
8. West Platte (Last season 1-9) - Much like their rivals in Dearborn, the Blue Jays were a young team in 2018. That returning experience this season should help them be more competitive.