This week's issue of Goal Lines features football season previews of Jefferson City, Helias, Blair Oaks, California, Tipton, Fulton, South Callaway, North Callaway, Eldon, School of the Osage, Versailles, Camdenton and Southern Boone.
It's available in Friday's print edition of the News Tribune newspaper and online here. (Also available on the News Tribune's iPad app.)
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Here are the contents of this season preview issue:
THE JEFFERSON CITY Jays are hoping a postseason trip to watch a game will inspire them to make a deep playoff run this season. The Jays return eight starters on both offense and defense.
See pages 3-5.
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BRINGING HOME A state trophy is good thing. But the Helias Crusaders are getting frustrated with the runner-up trophy after finishing second in Class 4 four times in the past six seasons. A state title is always the goal.
See pages 6-8.
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THE BLAIR OAKS Falcons are moving up to Class 3 this season. But they're bringing a loaded roster to the bigger class and high hopes for the postseason along with them.
See pages 9-11.
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LAST SEASON ENDED just one game short of the Class 3 state championship game for the California Pintos. But with a veteran group returning, the Pintos believe they have what it takes to take that next step this season.
See pages 15-16.
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THE SOUTH CALLAWAY Bulldogs have established themselves as an elite team in Class 2. But multiple double-digit victory seasons have ended short of their ultimate goal. This may be the year for the Bulldogs.
See pages 17-18.
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THE FULTON HORNETS are looking to use their athleticism to its full advantage this season in the tough North Central Missouri Conference.
See pages 18-19.
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THE NORTH CALLAWAY Thunderbirds have a new head coach. Kevin O'Neal is a graduate of the school and is excited to have what he calls his dream job.
See pages 19-20.
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TIPTON Cardinals look to rebound. Starters return to SOUTHERN BOONE Eagles lineup.
See page 20.
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THE ELDON MUSTANGS used a rugged running game to make a run in the Class 3 postseason in 2013. But a lot of that talent has graduated and young players are ready to step into new roles.
See page 21.
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IT WASN'T THE best of seasons for the Versailles Tigers in 2013. But the Tigers believe the struggles of 2013 will inspire them to a better 2014 season.
See page 22.
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THE MISSOURI STATE High School Activities Association changes district assignments every two years. The 2014 season is the first of the two-year cycle.
See page 22.
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THE SCHOOL OF the Osage Indians are getting a fresh start with a new head coach. But there is an experienced roster for the team this season.
See page 23.
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THE CAMDENTON LAKERS have proven to be an elite program throughout the years and this year should be no exception. The Lakers have their eyes on the big prize in Class 5.
See page 24.
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Goal Lines is a publication by the combined staffs of the Jefferson City News Tribune, the Fulton Sun, the California Democrat and the Lake Today. Stories were written by Josh Hall, Tony Hawley and Tom Rackers of the News Tribune; Ryan Bowland and Josh Mosley of the Fulton Sun; April Arnett of the California Democrat and Travis Zimpfer of the Lake Today. Photographs are by Kris Wilson of the News Tribune, Brittany Ruess of the Fulton Sun and Travis Zimpfer of the Lake Today.