Underdog Carl Junction High School Chases Historic District Title

Two years ago, the Carl Junction High School football team made an unexpected postseason run, reaching the district championship game despite a 1-8 regular season record. Now, the Bulldogs are back in the district title game, seeking to end a 20-year drought and capture the championship.

Under head coach Todd Hafner, Carl Junction has continued to improve, going 7-4 this season and earning a rematch with West Plains High School, who they lost to 37-30 in the regular season. The Bulldogs are led by senior offensive linemen Gavin Beachner and Blake Starks, who were starters on the 2023 team that shocked everyone by advancing to the district final.

This year's Carl Junction squad has learned from its past experiences, finding a winning formula of tough, hard-nosed football on both offense and defense. The team's rushing attack, led by senior running back Marcus Lopez-Durman, has been a key factor, with the Bulldogs racking up over 300 yards on the ground in the first round of the playoffs and over 400 yards last week.

As Carl Junction prepares for the district championship game, they're focused on setting the tone early and not allowing West Plains any extra opportunities. The Bulldogs believe they can avenge their regular-season loss and capture the district title, which would be the program's first in over two decades.