School of the Osage closes out regular season against California

School of the Osage running back Austin Magnuson sits on the turf after a carry in last Friday night's game against Eldon.
School of the Osage running back Austin Magnuson sits on the turf after a carry in last Friday night's game against Eldon.

LAKE OZARK, Mo. - After fighting injuries, turnovers and consistency throughout the season, the School of the Osage Indians head into their regular-season finale tonight where they began back in August - at the break-even mark.

Now the Indians want to go into postseason play hoping to gain momentum and a winning record.

Osage hosts the California Pintos in Tri-County Conference action tonight on Indian Senior Night (7 p.m. kickoff).

Osage comes in 4-4 overall and 3-3 in conference play while California is 1-7 and 1-5.

The Indians are trying to snap a two-game losing skid after facing the top two Tri-County squads the previous two weeks, being outscored by a combined 101-39. Last week Osage fell to Eldon 49-13.

Osage head coach Devin Johnson said his squad wants to enter the Class 3 District 3 tourney with a winning record.

"We just want to be more consistent on Friday night," Johnson said. "You want to head into district with a winning record."

Regardless of what happens tonight, Johnson feels he knows who the Indians' district-opening opponent will be.

Currently Osage is ranked No. 6 in the rugged Class 3 District 3 while 6-2 St. James is No. 3. If that stands then the Indians will travel to St. James next week.

"I think it's going to be St. James, regardless," Johnson said. "We had a good game with them last year. We haven't talked to the kids about district; we want them to focus on ending the conference schedule with a winning record."

In the district opener last year Osage had to hold off St. James in a thriller, 28-25.

California's district fate seems to be more severe. The Pintos are ranked No. 8 in Class 2 District 4, and it appears they will take on undefeated top-seed and top-ranked Lamar next week.

The struggles continued for California last week, as it was hammered by Tri-County champion Blair Oaks 44-6.

The Pintos are averaging just 9.0 points per game while allowing an average of 31.8.

After losing senior Jacob Wolken in the preseason for the year with a knee injury, the Pintos are now on their third starting quarterback since the season began. He is freshman Bryant Davis, who made his second career start against Blair Oaks.

Blair Oaks limited California to just 116 yards of total offense. Senior running back Cory Friedmeyer is the Pintos' top offensive threat. He has six touchdowns this season and last week rushed for 88 yards against the Blair Oaks defense.

"Friedmeyer is a tough runner," Johnson said. "He's a tough player. He's also a good player on defense (at safety and linebacker). They're fairly balanced on offense. But Friedmeyer gave us some problems last year."

While the California offense has struggled, Johnson has been impressed with the Pinto defense.

"California, defensively, is a really good team," Johnson said. "They have just struggled with turnovers this year. I really think their defense was solid. They have a new coach (Mikel Gragg) and are trying to establish what they want to do in the running and passing game and have struggled. If they run the ball effectively they're dangerous. To beat them you want to put their defense in a bad situation."

The Indians end the regular season as they have been most of the year - short-handed. When asked about his team's injury situation Johnson responded, "It's been better. But every team goes through it."

Senior standout running back Nick Riley will be held out tonight with an ankle injury that has nagged him all season. Johnson expects to have him back for the district opener. Also out tonight is starting center senior Kevin Weatherspoon.

Osage is averaging 30.8 points while giving up 27.9.

Indian senior quarterback Zach Wheeler has completed 107-of-184 passes for 1,509 yards, 14 interceptions and 19 touchdowns. Senior wideout Drake Gaines has 36 receptions for 576 yards and seven touchdowns while junior wideout Dalton Depee has 35 catches for 452 yards and six touchdowns, and senior running back Austin Magnuson 14 catches for 235 yards and three TDs.

Osage will miss Riley's 592 rushing yards and eight TDs in the ground game. Magnuson, who has 349 yards and three TDs, becomes the go-to runner.

Magnuson paces the team in tackles with 119, including 78 solo. Also, linebacker Depee has 68 tackles and senior lineman Josh McCubbin 60. McCubbin has nine sacks.