Local teams see drastic change in state class, district assignments

While many of the fall seasons have just started, fans can already look ahead to the postseason. The Missouri State High School Activities Association released its class and district assignments on Aug. 25.
There were several local teams that saw changes to their postseason path in the recent classifications. Perryville softball saw the most change moving from Class 4 last season to Class 3 in 2023. The Pirates are now in Class 3, District 1 with the likes of Affton, Bayless, Fredericktown, Herculaneum, Lutheran South, Notre Dame-St. Louis and Rosati Kain. Perryville went 13-12 last season, but will have to find some pitching, and be consistent offensively to make another postseason run.
Saxony Lutheran volleyball saw a change in its classification, moving to Class 3 this season thanks to the Championship factor. The Crusaders have won their district the past three seasons and have been moved up.
Saxony Lutheran will be grouped with Dexter, Doniphan, Fredericktown, Kennett, and Notre Dame (Cape Girardeau).
St. Vincent football also saw a massive change in its district this season. While the Indians stay in Class 1, they move to District 2 this season. The Indians will move to the northern part of the state with its possible opponents. In District 2, St. Vincent is grouped with Chaffee, Crystal City, Fayette, Harrisburg, Louisiana, Russellville, Tipton, and Van-Far. St. Vincent was grouped with Charleston, Portageville and other southern teams last season in District 1.

Perryville football stays in Class 4, District 1 with DeSoto, Festus, Hillsboro, North County, Potosi, and Sikeston. The Pirates are coming off a 3-7 record in 2022.
Perryville volleyball also stays in the same district in Class 3 with the likes of Park Hills, Herculaneum, Potosi, Ste. Genevieve, and Valle Catholic.
St. Vincent will attempt to defend its district championship in District 4 with Brentwood, Crossroads, Crystal City, Oak Ridge, and St. Paul Lutheran. The Indians reached the sectional round before falling to Advance in 2022.
Perryville and Saxony Lutheran boys soccer will be grouped together once more in Class 2, District 1. The Crusaders won the district last season, before finishing fourth in the state. Perryville returns an experienced squad with 10 seniors that went 15-10 last season. Saxony defeated Perryville in a penalty kick shootout in the district semifinals.
The Pirates and Crusaders will be grouped with Affton, Bayless, Fredericktown, Lutheran South, and St. Pius.
Saxony softball will stick in Class 2, District 1 and attempt to improve on its 14-7 record from last season. The Crusaders are grouped with Chaffee, Jefferson R-7, Kelly, Neelyville, St. Pius, and Twin Rivers.