Early offense leads Jackson to strong Class 6 district title win against Mehlville

For the first time since 2018, the Jackson Indians emerged as district champions after defeating the Mehlville Panthers 9-2 in the MSHSAA Class 6 District 1 championship game to advance to the quarterfinal stage of the state playoff.

Jackson scored six runs across the first two innings to jump out to a 6-0 lead, with Mehlville threatening late after loading the bases in the sixth inning. Caden Bogenpohl’s second home run of the game in the bottom of the sixth sealed the win for the Indians, however, winning by seven runs to finally reclaim their district crown.

Jackson catcher Baden Hackworth lifts his arms in celebration after the Class 6 District 1 championship game against Mehlville at Northwest High School on May 20, 2023. Jackson defeated the Panthers, 9-2, to advance to a Class 6 state quarterfinal game.Cole Lee ~ Southeast Missourian

“We told the boys when we got here today that they've worked really hard to get to this spot,” Indians coach Josh Roach said. “They deserved to be here. They've earned it. So now just go take it. We told them that we wanted them to set the tone right away.”

Jackson did just that, scoring three runs in the first inning and another three in the second, with a two-run homer from Bogenpohl highlighting the scoring as Jackson doubled down on offense.

Bogenpohl’s two-homer day marks his second in as many games, blasting two over the fence in the team’s 6-0 win against Oakville in Thursday’s district semifinal as well. His three RBIs tied catcher Baden Hackworth for the team lead, and his consistency at the plate has built some momentum for the Jackson offense as the playoffs unfold.

“Playing for the town of Jackson is what drives us all the most,” Bogenpohl said. “At the beginning of the year, this was our main goal, to reach here first, then keep moving forward. The first step is done, we’ve got more work to do. I show up every day and try to contribute for the team and the town, and do my best.”

Jackson's Jack Wyatt (left) and Caden Bogenpohl (right) meet in the air after a Bogenpohl home run during the Class 6 District 1 championship game against Mehlville at Northwest High School on May 20, 2023. Jackson defeated the Panthers, 9-2, to advance to a Class 6 state quarterfinal game.Cole Lee ~ Southeast Missourian

Hackworth commanded the Indians on offense with three hits in three at-bats in Saturday’s win, including a solo home run in the fifth inning and a two-run double in the first.

After transferring from Sikeston in 2021 and spending a season shifting around the Indian lineup, Saint Louis-commit Hackworth made the transition to become the Indians’ full-time catcher before his senior season and has put in the work to become a two-way leader for Jackson.

After catching 18 strikeouts from Bogenpohl on Thursday, Hackworth returned Saturday to catch John-Paul Sauer for the full seven innings, helping the junior to just five hits and two runs in the Indians’ district title win.

“What we’ve said all year is that we have a 1A and 1B,” Hackworth said. “We don't have a one and two because both of them – like, Thursday. [Bogenpohl] went out there and dominated. No-hitter, 18 K’s, [John-Paul] only let up two runs, which, both were off of hits that barely got out of the infield. Weak contact.

“You never know which one is gonna be better that day, but you know they're both gonna be good. It makes my job a whole lot easier when I'm like ‘Hey, throw the ball here,' and I have to move the glove. It makes it easy.”

Jackson's Jack Wyatt (right) dances amidst pre-seventh inning warmups during the Class 6 District 1 championship game against Mehlville at Northwest High School on May 20, 2023. Jackson defeated the Panthers, 9-2, to advance to a Class 6 state quarterfinal game.Cole Lee ~ Southeast Missourian

After a big win against Mehlville, Jackson advances to the quarterfinal stage for the first time since 2018 when the Indians won their district championship and defeated Lindbergh on the road in the sectional stage.

Jackson meets a familiar foe, as the Indians and Lafayette will match up at Jackson Indian Stadium for the third time in the 2023 season on Saturday, May 27. The Indians and Lancers split a doubleheader pair in Jackson on Apr. 22.

With a win, Jackson could advance to the state final four for the first time in program history, having never advanced past the quarterfinal stage. After Lafayette took game one, 3-0, and the Indians responded with a 6-2 victory, the teams come into the matchup with a knowledge of each other, but only one can advance to the Class 6 state tournament.

“Either way, it's gonna be a great game,” Sauer said. “I think the Jackson fans are gonna be supportive. It's gonna be really exciting to see how much they pack the house.”