ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The football landscape in St. Joseph has undergone significant changes following the closure of Lafayette High School, which has inadvertently intensified the rivalry between Benton and Central. This Friday night, the two teams will clash on the Southside in a Week 2 matchup that promises to be more compelling than in previous years.
The recent restructuring of the school district has led to a mix of talent on both rosters, with former Lafayette players now donning the colors of Benton and Central. This shift has set the stage for a new chapter in their rivalry, as athletes who once shared the field as teammates will now face off against each other. The teams had a preview of this budding rivalry during the city jamboree, where Central emerged victorious with an 18-0 win, showcasing a competitive atmosphere that included some heated exchanges at the line of scrimmage.
Benton, under the leadership of second-year coach Mark Cole, is eager to change the narrative surrounding a program that has not celebrated a winning season since 2010. Cole is focused on building a competitive team, emphasizing that the previous years of heavy losses are no longer acceptable. "Let’s go win some football games, two isn’t enough for me," he stated, highlighting the urgency to improve and establish a winning culture.
The influx of talent from the district's restructuring has been beneficial for Benton, including standout player Dominick Hapner, who previously played for Central. Hapner expressed his excitement about the upcoming game, noting the unique dynamics of facing friends and former teammates. "It’ll be really fun, all my brothers over there I’m really excited to see how that plays out," he remarked during practice.
On the other side, Central has also adapted to the changes, with coach Sheldon Farrell noting that his varsity lineup is now nearly half comprised of former Lafayette athletes. Despite some skepticism from the community regarding the district changes, Farrell is optimistic about the future of football in St. Joseph. He believes that the consolidation of talent will ultimately strengthen the sport in the area. "I actually think it’s the best thing to happen to this city even though there’s a lot of people that don’t believe that," he said, confident that the long-term benefits will be significant.
As the teams prepare for their matchup, Benton carries the momentum of an opening-week victory, while Central is still seeking its first win of the season. Although Central holds the bragging rights from the jamboree, Benton will have the home-field advantage this time, providing them with a chance to respond and assert their dominance.
With Lafayette now closed, Benton and Central stand as the only two public-school football programs in St. Joseph. The shift has created a unique situation where players who once competed across three schools are now divided between two, adding layers of personal rivalry and camaraderie to the game. What was once merely a city game has the potential to evolve into one of the most significant rivalries in the state, as both teams look to stake their claim in this new chapter of St. Joseph football.
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