Charleston, Portageville to meet in 2A Sectional

Charleston High School football coach Brent Anderson likes the way his team is performing entering the playoffs but he knows they're in for a rugged challenge tonight.

The Blue Jays (8-2) visit Portageville (7-2) for a 7 p.m. Class 2A sectional contest. The winner advances to Monday's quarterfinal round.

"I'm expecting a really tough game," said Anderson. "Portageville has got a very good team. They're really strong defensively."

Portageville has certainly put together one of the more amazing turnaround seasons in the history of prep football in Southeast Missouri. The Bulldogs went 0-9 last year, when they were outscored 249 to 76.

But under coach Jim McKay, who is in the first season of his second stint leading the program, the Bulldogs have rebounded in a big way. Their only losses were to a strong Gosnell (Ark.) squad in the season opener and to undefeated Hayti 14-6 five weeks ago.

The Bulldogs, who have allowed just 62 points all season, are sparked by their defense. And offensively, Dantwan Chillers has rushed for more than 1,000 yards.

Meanwhile, Charleston has had quite an impressive season of its own. The Blue Jays also made the playoffs last year but they went just 4-7 against a difficult schedule.

Facing a similar rugged slate this season, the Blue Jays have lost just twice, to 4A Sikeston and to 3A power New Madrid County Central.

"We play a lot of bigger schools leading up to district and that helps us get ready," Anderson said. "We've got a real good bunch. Most of them have been playing for us since they were sophomores."

The speedy Blue Jays have a variety of offensive weapons, led by Jordy Mixon, who has gained more than 1,100 yards. Orrice Stanback has added about 900 yards on the ground and dangerous option quarterback Dontay Clark is also a major threat, not only offensively but as a defensive back and on returns.

Last year, Charleston lost to Malden 34-14 in the first round of the playoffs.

Other matchups

New Madrid County Central and Hayti will also represent Southeast Missouri in sectional playoff games tonight. Both squads will be at home.

NMCC (9-1) takes on Ste. Genevieve (8-2) in a 3A matchup. The Eagles are ranked fourth in the state while the Dragons are rated seventh.

In a 1A battle of unbeatens, fourth-ranked Hayti (10-0) faces fifth-ranked Cardinal Ritter (10-0).