BRANSON MO NEWS: Springfield Catholics’ quarterback Kyle Cernech (13) signals “we’re number one” as he holds the game ball after his team defeated Monroe City 28-0 in the Missouri class 2A state championship saturday, Nov. 29, 1997 at the TWA Dome in St. Louis. Also pictured are Rick Gallagher (31), Pat Ahsltrand (5), Tyler York (81), Mark Stewart (11) and Ryan Mais (79).(AP Photo/Tom Gannam)(Photo: Tom Gannam, Copyright 1997 Springfield News-Leader;AP)A pair of championship football teams highlighted the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s annual Football Kickoff Luncheon on Monday. The 1981 Greenwood Laboratory School and the 1997 Springfield Catholic High School football team, along with former Mizzou quarterback Brad Smith, MSU football coach Jesse Branch and Waynesville football coach Rick Vernon were among the ones inducted.Greenwood Laboratory School 1981 state championship teamGreenwood went 10-1 in 1981 and ended its season with a 14-0 win over Gallatin in the Show-Me Bowl at Busch Stadium.Quarterback Anthony Frazier highlighted a group of five players who were named First Team All-State selections.Greenwood was coached by Paul Mullins.Springfield Catholic 1997 state championship teamThe 2017 season marks the 20th anniversary of Springfield Catholic High School’s championship run.Catholic won the state championship with a 28-0 win over Monroe City at the Trans World Dome in St. Louis.The Fightin’ Irish were led by coach Bobby Cornelison and quarterback Kyle Cernech.Jesse Branch, Missouri State UniversityThe head coach of the Bears from 1986-94 led the Bears to Gateway Conference championships in 1989 and 1990. The two teams remain the last MSU teams to reach the playoffs. Branch was named the NCAA Regional Coach of the Year twice and led the Bears to a 27-3 home record from 1988-93.Rick Vernon, Waynesville High SchoolVernon coached for three decades, including 33 years at Waynesville High School. He was 222-169 overall, which is 25th-best in state history.Vernon got his start at …
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