Central-Jackson battle always a tough call

Hanging Indians, speared Tigers, fights, graffiti, cursing -- there's nothing like a good ol' fashion rivalry game to bring out the best in people.

Let's hit the Way-back machine back to 1998, the last time Jackson lost to Central (22-6) -- unusual considering Central leads the all-time series 55-33-7 since 1914.

Central enters the game a confident 4-1 and dreaming of the playoffs. Jackson is 1-4. Jackson is looking to circle the wagons and salvage its season, and this game could be just what the Indians need to get back on track.

Jackson isn't a bad team -- just hungry. The Indians' poor play up to this point makes this game even more dangerous for the Tigers.

Rivalry games can make or break a season. It can propel you into the finals of the state championship, like the '94 Indians (see the Southeast Missourian Vol. 91, Editions 6 and 54) or send you into a tailspin.

A loss now could crush any postseason hopes the Tigers have.

But that isn't likely. A loss to Jackson hasn't seemed to phase Central. They've made the playoffs the last three years even with their defeats. Which makes you wonder what kind of a momentum booster this could be.

So throw the records out the window for this one. It's crunch time early for both of these teams. A win for Jackson means they have momentum. Of course, if Central wins it could lift the Tigers through the rest of the season and late into November. The state championship is always played around Thanksgiving.

While I figure out the favorite for this one, you can figure out how to plan you week around these events:

Today

The Tigers and Indians square off four days early. The Memphis Tigers visit Southeast for the first ever meeting between both teams in women's soccer. The Tigers have a 4-2 all-time record against OVC teams.

Tuesday

Hit the Way-back machine again. Way back on Sept. 5 Carbondale had more in the tank than Central in a double overtime thriller in the Notre Dame Soccerfest. Then last week, just as it looked there would be another overtime between these two, Carbondale scored to send Central packing. You know what they say about paybacks. You don't? Well go watch the match and you'll be educated. Cape, 7 p.m.

Thursday

District tournaments for girls' softball start. Despite Central's tremendous play, the Tigers will not host. Notre Dame hosts Class 3 and Poplar Bluff hosts Class 4. Check the area schedules daily in this week's editions. The Class 3 championship is set for noon on Saturday in case you want to skip right to the finish.

Alright, the Blues are going to be horrible this year but hockey will never lose its live appeal. Nothing like guys with missing teeth skating around smashing each other, right? Plus you get free stuff. The first promotional night for the Blues is Office Depot calendar night for all fans with paid admission.

Friday

This is it. The big one. Central tries to stop a four-year skid and Jackson tries to make this season into something. 7:30 at Jackson High School.

Down the road

NASCAR Busch Series racing will come rolling into Memphis on Oct. 17 and 18. Stay tuned.

David Wilson, a junior at Central High School, is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian