The Missouri high school football district standings are decided by a formula few people understand.

A simple win-loss record is less important than a mathematical table.

Teams earn points for wins, margin of victory and strength of schedule, among others.

“A lot of it depends on whether you’re playing above your classifications or below,” Warrenton Head Coach Steve McDowell said. “It hurts you when you lose to teams below your qualifications.”

Warrenton, which plays in Class 4, lost extra points with its 12-8 loss to St. Charles West, a Class 3 opponent.

On the other hand, the Warriors earned more points by beating Class 5 Washington in week 3.

Warrenton currently sits at third in District 7 with 32.79 points, and takes on Class 3 Jennings Friday at home at 7 p.m.

Three of the Warrior’s final four opponents — Jennings, Orchard Farm and Winfield — are Class 3 opponents.

Warrenton finishes the season against Class 5 Fort Zumwalt East Oct. 14.

The top four teams in the district will host a playoff game the following week, with matchups determined by seeds.

“Now we’re running into Class 3 teams, so we’ve got to win those ball games,” McDowell said. “That’s why it’s important to win these upcoming games.”

Jennings (3-2) is coming off a 56-8 win against Affton.

The Warriors run a single-wing offense, a rare attack that McDowell admits he has never seen in               person in a quarter-century of coaching.

Like many formations, a running back and fullback join the quarterback in the backfield.

That, however, is where the similarities stop.

The running back often takes a direct snap from the center and has the option to run or pass.

“That presents a different challenge, which I like,” McDowell said. “Their offensive line is very big up front, and our defensive line is very big, as well. So it’s going to be a game that will be won in the trenches.”

Jennings is led by Rajae Johnson, who has 775 yards and 10 touchdowns this season while averaging 7.2 yards per carry.

Johnson has also surprised opponents with his arm, completing two of five passes for 57 yards and a touchdown.

Last week against Affton he rushed for 221 yards and five touchdowns.

“Their running back is very good, so we’ve got to be very disciplined and persistent,” McDowell said. “If we come out and gang tackle, we’ll be alright.”

With four regular season games remaining, McDowell hopes to avoid any more setbacks against smaller schools.

“We’ve got to start staying ahead of the game and really take care of business these last four weeks,” he said. “We would love to be No. 1 in the district. If not, let’s get in that top four and get a home game in week 10.”