It's been a long and grueling season for the Northmen heading into the first round of the district playoffs. The combination of an ill-timed injury bug and the quality of competition the Oak Park Northmen have faced, all factor into the first game of the Missouri High School Playoffs, and this team was going to need to play a well-rounded game in order to come up with a win over the St. Joe Central Indians. Fortunately, they did exactly that and were able to put together a complete game in all three phases.

With key players on both sides of the ball missing, the Northmen had a tall order against the visiting Indians, a team seeking revenge from last year's district quarterfinal round when the Northmen went into hostile territory and beat the Indians 28-7. Central has developed a toughness this season, with athletic players on both sides of the ball, and a schedule which has seen some of the best teams in KC.

The Northmen were more than ready for them, on this night especially, with a defense that came up big more than once. Logan Willmann continued to show his growth at the corner spot, getting his second pick-six of the season. Jacob Mustard and Nick Hoops showed just how disruptive they can be, creating havoc in the Indian backfield. The defense, as a whole, only allowed 21 total rushing yards, and produced 3 turnovers

As for the offense, they also put up enough big plays of their own and over 350 yards of total offense on the night.. Najib Alhakeem was an absolute revelation, on the Northmen's second play from scrimmage, going 66 yards touchdown, he would set the tone for the rest of the game, and finished with 113 rushing yards and one touchdown. Phil Corbin and KeAndre Braxton both came up with some key runs in clutch moments to keep the chains and clock moving. QB Blake Bland racked up another 82 yards and a touchdown leading the Northmen to the 35-14 victory.

With this win the Northmen move to 5-5, the best season Oak Park has amassed in over 11 seasons.  The Northmen travel back to the DAC to face #1 Staley Falcons on Nov. 8th in the Semifinal Round. The winner of this game will take on the winner of the North Kansas City vs Park Hill South match-up and take a shot at the district title.