Sports
De Smet Needs Win Friday Against Mehlville
Spartans looking to rebound after tough loss against SLUH last week.
The Mehlville Panthers will try to end their season on a winning note when they host the Spartans in a Class 6, District 2 matchup on Friday at 7 p.m.
Mehlville (4-5 overall, 4-4 in the Suburban West Conference) was eliminated from playoff contention last week when it lost 20-15 to Lindbergh . But the host Panthers still have a chance to impact the state playoff chase as they host De Smet Friday at 7 p.m.
The Spartans are 7-2 overall, 2-2 in the Metro Catholic Conference and 1-1 in district play after losing last week in a thrilling overtime game.
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De Smet will need a win to advance to the Class 6 state playoffs for a fifth consecutive season. The Spartans have advanced to the state semifinals in three of the past four years, and they won a state title in 2005.
De Smet has dominated the Panthers in their recent matchups. The Spartans beat Mehlville 35-7 last year, 38-0 in 2009 and 17-7 in 2008.
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To keep this game close, Mehlville will need to contain De Smet senior Durron Neal. Neal has scored 16 touchdowns this season. The University of Oklahoma recruit has has 414 receiving yards and 151 rushing yards, is a dangerous kick returner and has also seen time at quarterback out of the Wildcat formation. Neal missed the closing moments of last week's contest after a knee injury.