Ben Felder Sports Scene

Preview and Predictions: Ray-Pec vs Belton

Could tonight be the biggest game in Belton football since the state title game in 2007?  With the Pirates mathematically alive in the playoff hunt they are in need of a win tonight against Ray-Pec, and some help from Central of Springfield.  This is also a rivalry game for Belton and a chance to showcase its new stadium to their Cass County neighbors. 

The difference between a 4-6 season and a 3-7 season might not sound like much, but if that fourth win comes against Ray-Pec and possibly squeaks you into the playoffs that could be a win that turns the whole season around. 

I guess my point it this game tonight is big.

Three Questions about tonight's big game:

What must Belton do to win?
Belton is a run-focused offense and must find success on the ground to have a chance against Ray-Pec’s tough defensive front. Last week, Belton had five rushers with at least 18 yards and the Pirates will need to find ways to diversify its rushing attack against the Panthers. Belton probably won’t be able to win a high scoring game so controlling the clock early will be critical. Ray-Pec turned the ball over twice last week and if the wet weather forces any Ray-Pec fumbles or tipped passes Belton must find a way to take advantage. Ray-Pec is playing like one of the areas best teams but the Pirates will benefit from the the energy of a packed house in their brand new home.

What must Ray-Pec do to win?
The answer to this question for the past few weeks has been to simply just do what they did the week before.  Controlling the clock, spreading the ball out on the ground and in the air and frustrating opposing offenses by getting into the backfield should allow Ray-Pec to finish the season with its fifth win in a row.  Ray-Pec has more talent than Belton but turnovers are the great equalizers.  If the Panthers can protect the ball and find the ability to break off a big play or two it should go their way.  Belton will come at them with a run-heavy offense so stopping the running game should give them the upper hand.

Who will win this game?
On paper Ray-Pec is the better team.  If these were two teams from completely different parts of the region I would say the Panthers could win by at least a few touchdowns.  But this is a rivalry game and even though I am still learning about the dislike these two schools have for each other, from what I know there should be enough motivation for Belton to go out and try to win.  Besides wanting to beat their rival the Pirates are still playing for the post season and even though they played a weaker opponent last week that big win should provide them with at least a little momentum headed into Thursday’s game.  The weather says rain, which would help Belton out more than Ray-Pec.  No one should be surprised if Belton is still within striking distance at half time but Ray-Pec has proven its ability to finish games strong. 
Prediction: Ray-Pec 35, Belton 14.

Rivalry week begins Monday

A few days before rivals Belton and Ray-Pec square off on the football field you can get a taste of rivalry week on Monday afternoon as Belton and Ray-Pec meet on the volleyball court to open the district tournament.  The winner will get, besides bragging rights, the chance to play the No. 2 ranked team in the state Lee’s Summit West.

After speaking with an official at Lee’s Summit West I have learned that the Titans may be without three of its primary players after suspensions.  I haven’t attempted to confirm those reports as its not exactly the type of journalism we do here, but it may open the door for a more winnable game against powerhouse Lee’s Summit West.

But, before we think about the matchup on Tuesday night for either Belton or Ray-Pec lets look at Monday’s match.

Belton is coming off its most successful season in school history.  The Pirates completed their 21-11 season last week by winning two matches against North Kansas City and Ft. Osage and will be riding some momentum into Monday’s game. 

Belton also finished second in conference, beating every team but Lee’s Summit West so you know they will be itching to get to Tuesday.  However, a large part of Belton’s success has come from good coaching and you shouldn’t expect the Pirates to overlook Ray-Pec.  For Belton’s sake playing a rival in the first round might make them a little more focused.

Ray-Pec is 14-14 after two losses last week.  The Panthers play in a challenging conference and under a new coach this year in Dave MacLean they have been learning to play under a new system. 

Despite the .500 record MacLean likes his team’s chances and believes they have built a foundation to play off of in districts this week.  I spoke with coach MacLean after last week’s loss to Liberty and here are some thoughts he shared on Monday’s game against Belton.

“We just have to just sell the idea that the records don’t matter anymore.  We know we can hang with Belton and we know we can beat Belton.  It’s a new season.  I think they are excited to play us and we are excited to play them.  Yes, Belton had a good year and I think we had a good year. 

“I think sometimes we didn’t realize how special it is to get to go out there and play volleyball.  I tell them to go out and have a ball and play like we know we are capable of.  I think we will go in with a little bit of confidence.”

If you can’t make it to the 4:30 game at Lee’s Summit North High School you can check with www.thestar-herald.com for a complete postgame story and also follow along on at twitter.com/btfelder

Belton, Ray-Pec square off in district soccer

It's been a less than spectacular season for both soccer teams at Belton and Ray-Pec but each team has a chance to get a late season boost as the two area rivals will face each other in the opening round of the district tournament. 

Ray Pec is the No. 4 seed and Belton the No. 5.  The game will be on Oct. 31 at 11:00 a.m.  the Class 3 District 13 match will be held at Ray-Pec.  The winner will advance to the second round to face top seeded Rockhurst on Nov. 2. 

Tom Kruse quotes on tonight's big game

You can read a preview of tonight’s L.S. West vs Ray-Pec game on the Star Herald’s website but here are some extra thoughts about the big game from Panthers head coach Tom Kruse.

The state of the team?

“We’re kind of where we thought we would be at this point in the season.  I think this is an expected record with the exception of Blue Spring South because we felt like we should have won that game.

“We've gotten better at the positions we needed to get better in.  Our tackling has gotten better and our offensive line has improved. Our receivers have also gotten better which has helped the run.

“We are going to be a team that whether we win or lose this week is going to have a chance. I don't think we are a team that people can forget about. We are closer than we were at the beginning of the year. The kids here know what the expectations are around here.”

About the running game?

“From a running game standpoint the blocking for our backs has been better. Some changes we have made are working and you have been able to see that over the past few weeks.  We really don’t have a homerun threat, maybe the exception is Marc, but we feel confident that we can move the ball and pick up first downs. 

“You may not see too many 100-yard rushers on this team but what you will find, which I really like, is four or five guys who have 40 or 50 rushing yards per game.  That’s big because it hurts the other team in knowing who to prepare for.”

About Lee’s Summit West?

“I think obviously (Lee’s Summit West) has some very good skilled kids, they are very well coached. They are a program that hasn't been in existence very long but has competed every year. It’s a team that we have had success against, we seem to play West very well. Beating them twice last year at their place was a very big factor for us.

“Are they capable of beating us? Absolutely, but I don’t think you will see a loss as a confidence shaker for either team.  Being the one or the two seed from our district is really a toss up.  Other than the fact that No. 1 gets a bye. Either way, I don't think a one or two seed is bad for either team, but we want to win on Friday.

“To the winner may be a confident boost down the road but I really don't see it this year being a key role because I think either team will be ready from a confidence standpoint. This is a big football game because it’s Lee’s Summit West."

Challenges?

“I would like to see a little more from our coverage teams...I think we are giving up too much there. We try to pride ourselves on the fact that our special teams are pretty good. Yeah, we have been able to return a couple kicks this year but we have also given up some yardage that you can't afford to do this time of the year. I think this is an area we will pay more attention to this week.

One of the things that we try to do is eliminate teams from having big plays. We can sometimes relax but there are times when teams are getting 25 yard plays after we stop them. It’s like negative yardage, negative yardage and then a big play. We need to eliminate that from a defensive standpoint. I would say if we don't give up big plays and don't turn over the ball against Lee's Summit West we are going to win.”

Playing at home?

“It's senior night, there is some added emotion involved  in that.

“We have won two games at home, it’s one of those games where it’s a big game at home because we want to have a winning record at home. I think our crowd will really come out because this is a game people have marked on their schedule. It’s a week where we are looking forward to and having it at home is an added bonus for us.”

Week 9 Football Picks

  Tomorrow we will be offering complete previews for both Belton and Ray-Pec but here my picks for area games this Friday, including the Panthers and Pirates.

L.S. West (6-2) at Ray-Pec (5-3)

After a 2-3 start the Panthers have won three straight and have been improving every week. The Lee's Summit West Titans are media darlings right now and picked by many to get their first win ever against Ray-Pec but don't sleep on the Panthers. An improved offensive line, a running game that has been impressive over the past few weeks and a star quarterback that is nearly 100% healthy I don't see the Titans coming into Panther Stadium and stealing a win.

Ray-Pec is flying under the radar right now, but won't be the case if they win on Friday and have a chance to enter the playoffs with a 7-3 record and first round bye. This will be a close game but Ray-Pec has shown it can finish games in the second half. Look for the Panthers to frustrate West's running game and get the big plays late in the game. Prediction: Ray-Pec 28, Lee's Summit West: 17

Belton (2-6) at Central Springfield (2-6)

I'm not sure what to think about this game. Belton needs a win to keep its playoff hopes alive...so does Central. After beating Raytown Belton lost to Raytown South and then were shutout by Lee's Summit West. Its never easy to go on the road when you are struggling but when I look at Central's poor rushing defense as of late it makes me optimistic that Belton will have some success with their two explosive backs.

This Belton team fights to the end and has shown signs of moving forward. This is a team that I believe is capable of going to Springfield and getting a win. This may not be a pretty game but if it comes down to the fourth quarter a grinding running game and never say die attitude should give the Pirates a win. Prediction: Belton 21, Central 20

Other games:

Ft. Osage (8-0) at William Chrisman (4-4): I still think Ft. Osage has some flaws that will catchup to them in the post season but Chrisman won't be able to expose them. Prediction: Ft. Osage 35, William Chrisman 14

Raytown South (5-3) at Northeast (3-4): Northeast is a team moving forward but getting blown-out by Raytown last week doesn't look good going into a game with high-powered Ray-South. Prediction: Raytown South 42, Northeast 0.

Truman (1-7) at Raytown (2-6): Truman may be the best one win team in the area but I think Raytown's tough schedule and chance to clinch the playoffs will give them a boost in this home game. Predictions: Raytown 21, Truman 17.

Winnetonka (5-3) at North Kansas City (1-7): Tonka is a playoff team and will show it on Friday. Prediction: Winnetonka 35, North K.C. 7.

Blue Springs (7-1) at Liberty (7-1): The safest prediction is that this will be a good game. One of these two teams will probably be headed to St. Louis. Both teams only losses were to two very good teams and both have explosive offenses with strong defenses. Liberty is the home team so I am going to give them the edge. Prediction: Liberty 28, Blue Springs 24

Team is all smiles headed into districts

Belton and Ray-Pec will be squaring off against each other on Monday night to open the district 13 volleyball tournament at Lee's Summit North.  The winner will face top seeded Lee's Summit West the next day.

Belton is coming off its best season in school history.  check out this week's Star Herald for a story looking at some of the accomplishments of this team and its thoughts headed into district play.

Royals knocking on the door of better odds

The Kansas City Royals have long been the bottom dwellers of Major League Baseball but they have also been near the bottom in total team payroll, which in a league where more money can mean more wins has put Kansas City at a disadvantage.  In 2009 the Royals set a franchise record for payroll and were ranked the highest they have been in the past 10 years at number 21, out of 30 teams.

The $68.1 million spent in 2009 didn’t quite lead to an improved team on the field but by creeping up the payroll ranking list the Royals are at least mathematically improving their chances of making the post season for the first time in over two decades.

Consider this.  Over the past 10 years the playoffs have only included 11 percent of the teams ranked in the bottom 10 of payroll.  You can be a cheapskate and make the playoffs, but the odds aren’t great.  This year the only team to make the post season with a payroll ranked in the bottom 10 was the Minnesota Twins with a payroll of $65.3 million.  The Twins have made the playoffs twice in the past 10 years while ranking in the bottom 10.  Oakland has done it five times.

By the way, Kansas City is the only major league baseball team to be ranked in the bottom 10 every year over the past 10 years. 

The good news however is that the Royals are inching their way closer to a better list.  Ranked 21 this year the Royals are just one spot away from breaking the top 20 which statistically sees 34 percent of its teams go on to the playoffs.  In a league that only sees 26.6 percent of its teams reach the post season it can pay to have a payroll in the top 20. 

Of course, that’s not to say coming in at number 20 in 2010 will lead to winning.  Smart decisions and talent are also necessary.  Eight teams have made the playoffs over the past 10 years while playing with a payroll less than that of the Kansas City Royals. 

More payroll and playoff facts:

The Yankees spent the most in 2009 at $201.4 million and also had the best record in baseball with 103 wins.  The Mets were second in payroll at $149.3 million but only managed 70 wins and missed the playoffs.  The Yankees spent $1.95 million per win while the Mets spent $2.13 million per win.

The Minnesota Twins were the most economical team during this past season by spending the least amount of money per win out of the eight teams that made the playoffs.  The Twins spent $0.75 million per win. 

Five teams that made the post season were ranked in the top 10 in payroll.

Two were in the top 20.

One, the Twins, were in the top 25.