Chillicothe enters Week 3 unbeaten, ranked No. 5 in the AP’s most recent Class 3 poll and possibly just a bit off the state championship map.

Why?

The Hornets travelled to Marshall in Week 1, then hosted out of area Odessa. Tonight’s matchup at Class 4 No. 9 Grain Valley marks a third straight nonconference game and another chance to prove Chillicothe’s mettle.

Even if most of the Midland Empire won’t make the trip down I-70 to see it.

“We weren’t sure how we’d come out (of the first two weeks),” Chillicothe coach Phil Willard said. “We could’ve easily come out of this thing 0-2, just as easily as 2-0. We feel fortunate so far, but there’s a long way to go.

“We’re excited about it there’s no doubt, but you also know you’re keeping things in perspective.”

Each of the past four seasons, Chillicothe started with seven straight Midland Empire Conference dates before playing in a district with Missouri River Valley Conference schools. The Hornets went 2-1 starting each of those three seasons.

This year the tables are reversed.

Chillicothe moved to Class 3 District 16 for this year with Savannah, Smithville and Cameron. The MRVC matchups are in Week 2 and Week 3 this year.

“It’s a nice change,” Willard said. “We’ve liked the other way too, but it’s definitely a change that’s different and gives you a chance to get a few games under your belt before you start the MEC season.”

Already with a win against Odessa, a victory against Grain Valley tonight would give Chillicothe its first 3-0 start since 2003 and possibly another boost in the polls.

Willard won’t worry about rankings for now, but in 2003, a 3-0 start eventually led to a playoff berth and a sectional victory against Platte County, ending the Pirates’ 52-game winning streak. But a letdown followed that year in quarterfinals against Richmond, another MRVC member.

The run at an elusive sixth title ended, a bid that continues tonight although it’s still early for the No. 5 Hornets.

“When you’d like to be high in the polls is at the end of the season. That’s what we’re looking for,” Willard said.