Festus and Lutheran North are about 45 miles away from each other in the St. Louis metro area.
However, dating back to 2004 they have not played each other but that changes Friday morning at Faurot Field.
Festus (11-2) will look to win its first-ever state championship — in its first-ever state finals berth.
Meanwhile, Lutheran North (12-1) is in the finals for the eighth time overall, the first since 2019. The Crusaders have won in six of the previous seven trips to the finals.
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This will mark the second time in the last three years that two St. Louis-area schools have met in the Class 4 finals. In 2022, St. Louis Southside beat St. Dominic in the finals.
Festus and Lutheran North both have solid defenses, giving up 13.2 points per game and 14 points per game, respectively.
Lutheran North, winners of 11 in a row, has the edge on offense averaging nearly 50 points. The Tigers score 31 points per game.
Key players—RB Martez Stephenson (1,300 yards/16 TDs), QB Jonathan Moore (101-for-171, 2,008 yards, 36 TDs); WR Mike Clark (41/791/12); WR Trey Bass (38/752/14); LB James Bryant (99 tackles, 4 sacks); S/LB Karvon Jefferson (96 tackles, 3 INTs)
Follow along below for live updates from the Class 4 Missouri high school school football state championship game, which is scheduled to start at 11 p.m. CT Friday, Dec. 6
You can also watch Lutheran North vs. Festus on MSHSAA.tv (purchase required).
Will update when game starts
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To get live updates on your phone — as well as follow your favorite teams and top games — you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App | Download Android App
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The largest distributor of kratom products in Missouri has agreed to suspend all in-state sales of kratom and its alkaloids, effective immediately.
The Missouri Attorney General’s Office announced on Thursday morning that Shaman Botanicals, LLC (American Shaman) will not sell any kratom product to Missouri consumers in stores or online.
“Kratom alkaloids, especially 7-OH, are dangerous opioids that carry serious health risks,” Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway said. “We stepped in to shut down deceptive tactics that put public health in danger. This resolution protects consumers by taking these products off Missouri shelves.”
The action ends litigation between the Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Health and Senior Services and American Shaman.
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The business also agreed to abandon Missouri-targeted retail advertising, including billboards, within 30 days.
The Attorney General’s Office launched an investigation into the business practices of American Shaman in November 2025
FILE — Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway sued CBD American Shaman over kratom products.(Hannah Falcon/KFVS)
In March, the Attorney General’s Office filed suit against American Shaman and companies connected with it.
Hanaway had alleged American Shaman advertised “free samples” of 7-OH despite its addictive nature, and frequently without disclosing the risk of addiction in its marketing.
“Retailers who use free samples and misleading marketing to hook consumers, especially those struggling with addiction, will face swift enforcement,” Hanaway said.
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Missourians who believe they were harmed by kratom alkaloids are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s Office at 800-392-8222 or by submitting an online complaint at ago.mo.gov.
Two people were seriously injured in a crash Wednesday morning in Cole County on Route B, south of Spring Ridge Road, near St. Thomas, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Around 11:50 a.m., a 2020 Honda CRV SUV driven by a 67-year-old woman from Meta attempted to turn southbound onto Route B and traveled into the path of 2018 Freightliner Cascadia semitruck driven by a 71-year-old-man, according to the crash report.
The driver of the Honda and the passenger, a 66-year-old-man from Meta, were not wearing seat belts and were airlifted to University Hospital in Columbia, according to the crash report. Both sustained serious injuries, according to the report.
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The driver of the semitruck was not injured, according to the crash report.
As summer recreation ramps up across Missouri, safety officials are reminding residents that water safety begins long before anyone steps into a lake or river. Understanding the risks of water activities, knowing personal limits, and making responsible choices are the foundation of preventing tragedies on the water.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol and other safety agencies emphasize that natural waterways can present hidden hazards, including strong currents, sudden drop‑offs, and floating debris. Swimmers are urged to stay aware of their surroundings, use life jackets when appropriate, and avoid swimming alone.
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Officials say simple precautions—such as recognizing fatigue, monitoring weather conditions, and watching out for others in your group—can make the difference between a fun day on the water and a dangerous situation. As families head outdoors, authorities encourage everyone to treat water safety as a shared responsibility.
