It's about time that Missouri prep football is getting recognized

I was going through the television schedule we get from The Associated Press on Monday when it caught my eye.
Under the schedule for Sunday, Aug. 31, it looked strange to see “ESPN — Rockhurst (Mo.) at Blue Springs South (Mo.) under a “PREP FOOTBALL” header.
I’m used to seeing listings there for broadcasts like Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the PGA, NASCAR and pro tennis.
But seeing a game there that is usually our domain – and not the nation’s – struck me as odd.
Even when that “PREP FOOTBALL” header is there, it’s usually followed by teams from California, Texas or Florida. To see actual Missouri teams there is almost stunning.
It’s good to see this part of the country get some publicity finally, though ESPN probably is a year late when it comes to South against Rockhurst. Last year’s game was epic and meant a district title. And, in my mind – and many others’ – it was the actual Class 6 state championship game last season.
South’s furious comeback made it a game for the ages – well, at least around here. This year’s game, while it will probably be between two ranked teams probably wouldn’t have the same luster if ESPN wasn’t bringing its plethora of trucks and spotlight of national television.
It will be the season opener, but it really means little in the grand scope of things – especially in this season when two teams from each district make the state playoffs. High school football in Missouri might start looking like the National Hockey League soon with 75 percent of its teams advancing. But that’s another story for another time.
I always thought the quality of Missouri high school football was steadily improving. It’s still not to the level of Texas, California and Florida, but much of that is because of those state’s sheer numbers in the game.
We’re starting to see some incredible athletes come out of this state, and a college team like Missouri is reaping the benefits by locking down the state’s borders in recruiting.
Players like Jaron Baston (Blue Springs), Tony Temple (Rockhurst), Jeremy Maclin (Kirkwood) and Chase Coffman and Derrick Washington (both from Raymore-Peculiar) – not to mention almost all of Mizzou’s starting offensive linemen – are showing that this state is quickly rising in its level of athletes it offers. Temple, Maclin and Coffman already are nationally known names while Baston and Washington will get their chances this season.
When I first started this business, high profile Division I athletes in Missouri were usually the aberration, not the norm. But that is quickly changing.
And ESPN is finally getting it right by recognizing that.
This is the opening week of high school football and, that alone, is worthy of celebration. The fact that it is getting a little of the national spotlight makes it even sweeter.
Let’s hope the Jaguars and Hawklets can show the nation what Missouri high school football is all about.