A glance at area high school football games

Jackson (2-4) at Poplar Bluff (4-2)

Last week: Farmington 42, Jackson 38; Poplar Bluff 21, Central 20.

Last year: Jackson 35, Poplar Bluff 21.

Outlook: Jackson and Poplar Bluff play tonight in a SEMO conference showdown. Jackson enters after having lost by four points to new SEMO conference foe Farmington last Friday. Jackson coach Van Hitt said the Mules offensive line is one of the best lines his team will face this season. Jackson's defense has surrendered an average of 25.16 points per game -- more than 14 points per game higher than 2007. Hitt said Adam Zweigart would return this week, but the team's top running back probably will not start.

Malden (1-5) at Chaffee (3-3)

Last week: East Prairie 53, Chaffee 8; Kennett 27, Malden 16.

Last year's meeting: Malden 14, Chaffee 8.

Outlook: Last week, Chaffee failed to stop East Prairie running back M.C. Williams, who ran for 214 yards and four touchdowns. Chaffee coach Charlie Vickery said Class 2 Malden has a strong power running game, but has been throwing more lately. Malden's offense is averaging 13.6 points per game, while its defense is surrendering 26.3 points. Malden has losses against Class 3 Kennett (6-0), and two top teams from Class 1 in Hayti and Thayer. Vickery said his team must focus more to eliminate turnovers. The Red Devils turned the ball over four times -- two interceptions and two fumbles -- last week.

Hayti (4-1) at Scott City (2-3)

Last week: Scott City and Hayti both had a bye.

Last year: Hayti 43, Scott City 7.

Outlook: The Rams are back after a bye week. They have a three-game losing streak, including a loss to 22-point loss to rival Chaffee in they're most recent outing. They have a tough task in playing a quick Hayti team, which has a spread offense and runs the ball often. Scott City's offense is averaging just 12.4 points per game. The Rams committed seven turnovers against Chaffee, but rushed for 268 yards. After allowing six points in the first two weeks, the Rams have given up 98 points over the past three games.

St. Vincent (3-3) at Grandview (Hillsboro) (0-6)

Last week: St. Vincent 28, Crystal City 0; Cuba 34, Grandview 12.

Last year's meeting: St. Vincent 49, Grandview 12.

Outlook: St. Vincent is riding a two-game winning streak entering tonight's game against Grandview, which has surrendered 43.2 points per game this season. St. Vincent scored just 29 points in the first four weeks, but the Indians have struck for 66 points over the past two weeks. Over that stretch, Justin L'Hote seven touchowns. L'Hote ran 13 times for 205 yards last week. St. Vincent has not lost a home game this year.