The Leader's KCI Conference

POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 3

Clint Dye – Leader Sports Reporter

1. Mid-Buchanan (2-0) – The Dragons handled their GRC portion of the schedule with ease defeating Princeton and Maysville by a combined score of 114-14. This Friday is the first of two scheduled BIG ONES when they hit the road to take on Lawson. A year ago the Dragons defeated the Cardinals for the first in ages.

2. East Buchanan (2-0) – The Dan Ritter era at East Buchanan couldn’t be off to a better start, they had a come back win in week one followed by a dominate shutout in week two. With Lathrop’s COVID issues the Bulldogs have a bye this week before they are scheduled to open KCI Conference play at rival Hamilton.

3. Plattsburg (2-0) – A week after just putting up 7 points in their victory over Polo, the Tigers exploded for 51 in their new home field debut against St. Joe Christian. This week they hit the road to take on West Platte who is coming off a tough loss to South Harrison.

4t. Lawson (0-1) & Lathrop  (0-1) – The Cardinals and Mules found themselves in an odd situation with both having lost a game due to COVID. Here’s hoping both teams fully recover and can get back out on the field as soon as possible.

6. Hamilton (1-1) – The Hornets opened the season with a tough loss to a solid Lafayette County, but bounced back in style last week with a 32-26 rivalry victory over Gallatin. They hit the road again this week, opening KCI Conference play at North Platte. Rivalry game with East Buchanan looms large.

7. West Platte (1-1) – Opened the season with a win over Lone Jack before falling to South Harrison a week ago. They open up KCI Conference play at home against Plattsburg this week, in what could be a fairly competitive contest.

8. North Platte (0-2) – Panthers have yet to score in 2020, have a tough road ahead of them as they host Hamilton before facing Plattsburg, Mid-Buchanan and Lawson in consecutive weeks.

Brett Adkison – Leader Editor

1. Mid-Buchanan (2-0): The Dragons were already the team to beat in the KCI Conference. But now it appears that the Dragons have had the steadiest practice situation throughout the summer and into the season, plus two dominant wins, giving them a ton of momentum at their back.

2. Lawson (0-1): We don't know a whole lot about the Cardinals, and taking a loss in Higginsville – perhaps one of the best Class 2 schools in the state this year – didn't teach us much. I'm putting a lot of stock in the Cardinals' coaching staff, roster size and culture here.

3. East Buchanan (2-0): Clint Dye said it best this week when he wrote that the Daniel Ritter era couldn't have gotten off to a better start for the Bulldogs. Their victory the first week over South Harrison just went to show the tenacity East Buchanan has this year.

4. Lathrop (0-1): The Mules had a hard offseason and an even tougher start to the year. They're young, inexperienced and when they finally come back, they'll run directly into the Mid-Buchanan buzzsaw in Week 4. All of that being said, they're packed with talent and have the right coaching staff in place. They'll get a chance to bounce back from all of this.

5. Plattsburg (2-0): The Tigers are also young, but have been impressive out of the gate, picking up a pair of victories. They also get West Platte and North Platte the next two weeks, so the Tigers have every chance to start 2020 with a 4-0 record.

6. Hamilton (1-1): The Hornets showed a bundle of grit when they outlasted Gallatin in an overtime rivalry game last week. Look for them to cruise past North Platte this week before a big tilt against East Buchanan the following Friday.

7. West Platte (1-1): They may have blown past Lone Jack in the opener, but a substantial loss to South Harrison last week showed that the Bluejays have a ways to go yet. Their game Friday against Plattsburg could be a huge indicator for how the rest of the year will go.

8. North Platte (0-2): The Panthers have yet to score a point this season and will be welcoming a tough Hamilton team to Dearborn this week.