Maryville and Chillicothe have established themselves as teams competing for a state title. Only one will have the chance to pursue undefeated championship aspirations.

Ranked No. 2 in their respective classes, Maryville and Chillicothe meet tonight at “The Hound Pound” in possibly the marquee high school game in the state of Missouri. Maryville enters as undefeated defending Midland Empire Conference champions, and this matchup could determine the Spoofhounds ability to repeat.

“It’s a game that was kind of pencilled on the schedule early. I’m sure both teams did that,” Maryville coach Chris Holt said. “Whoever wins this game sits in pretty good shape to win the conference or at least get a share of it. But it doesn’t hurt either team’s cause (towards a state title).”

Maryville (5-0, 4-0 MEC) lost only once last year, a district defeat to top-ranked Lawson.

This game will provide the same entertainment, but both teams will then be able to move on towards the ultimate goal of a state championship. Chillicothe ranks No. 2 in Class 3 receiving one first-place vote, while Maryville ranks second with two first-place votes.

Both are clearly in the state-title mix regardless of this outcome.

“It’s a great test for both of us,” Chillicothe coach Phil Willard said. “Maryville has a great football team, and we have a great football team. It ought to be a fun atmosphere and a great game.”

Chillicothe (5-0, 2-0) came in with expectations to compete in the MEC, but five convincing wins later, the Hornets could be a slight favorite. Maryville won last year’s Week 1 clash 20-18 with Chillicothe missing on all three of its point-after attempts.

And this Hornets team is better than last year’s version.

“They grew up,” Holt said. “They played a lot of younger kids like we did last year. I just think they’ve become a more veteran group, and when you’ve been running the same system, you’re going to be a better team.”