CARTHAGE - Five years ago, Carthage was heading into a district championship game in its first Class 5 campaign.
The Tigers won that one. And since then, Carthage has managed to claim four consecutive district championships with the possibility of a fifth coming tonight in a District 6 title tilt against Parkview at David Haffner Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7.
"I probably didn't imagine that'd be a reality five years ago," Carthage coach Jon Guidie said. "At that point, we made our jump to Class 5 for the first time. We certainly didn't know what was in store for us, but we've strung together some pretty good seasons and we're happy about that."
Standing in the way of the Tigers (9-1) is a Parkview team that's averaging 39 points per game. The Vikings (6-4) eclipsed that total in a 42-41 overtime triumph over Nixa in the previous round.
In its last four outings, Parkview has averaged 51 points in wins over Hillcrest, Lebanon, Waynesville and Nixa.
"They're scoring on everybody," Guidie said. "They're very athletic. One of their players (Blake Delacruz) is their school's all-time leading rusher and all-time leading scorer. I think he's a four-year starter for them, and he's been really good this year."
Delacruz has rushed for 100 yards in all but one game this season.
"They also use a couple wide receivers who are really good at getting by guys," Guidie added. "And their kids don't really overwhelm you with their size on offense –– they're 5-foot-7, 150-pound kids. But they play really hard, they're fast and they're elusive. You have to be able to contain those guys."
The Carthage defense managed to contain Republic last Friday in a 42-26 semifinal win in Carthage. Republic was limited to one touchdown and one field goal as it totaled 119 yards of offense and eight first downs, just two coming after halftime.
"I think the success we've had on defense starts up front," Guidie said. "Our kids have been good all year at defensive tackle and defensive end. Those guys have to control the line of scrimmage this week and not let their running back out. It's a big challenge against a back who's rushed for 100 yards in almost every game this season, and our kids know that. They certainly want to know where he's at at all times."
Offensively, Carthage has scored 42 points or more in its last five games.
The Tigers scored on seven of their 10 drives against Republic. Quarterback Patrick Carlton and running back Tyler Mueller led the charge, accounting for 309 and 119 offensive yards, respectively.
Zeke Sappington, who started at quarterback for Carthage all last season and the first four games of this season, made his first game appearance since suffering a broken hand in September. He finished with 14 yards on two carries in limited time.
Guidie said Sappington is still progressing toward full health while preparing for an increased role on the playing field.
"It's a wait-and-see type of thing (for Sappington)," Guidie said. "Patrick has done such a good job for us in the past six or so weeks. He's getting better every week and he's starting to run our offense much more efficiently, throwing the ball and making good decisions. Zeke hasn't done anything wrong. Hopefully we can figure out a way to get both of those kids on the field."

-Jared Porter, Joplin Globe Sports