High school football preview 9/2/05

Friday, September 2

Central at Eureka, 7 p.m.

Last year's records: Central 2-8, Eureka 9-1

Last year's meeting: Eureka 38, Central 0

Notes: Central allowed more than 400 yards rushing against Eureka last year in an opening-week loss. The Tigers will have to slow down the Wildcats' run-first team if they have a chance to win on the road. Eureka is led by Mississippi signee Sam Johnson, who rushed for 1,328 yards last season. Central sophomore quarterback Garrett Stevens will lead a young squad coming off its first losing season in five years.

Scott City at Malden, 7 p.m.

Last year's records: Scott City 8-2, Malden 5-5

Last year's meeting: Scott City 44, Malden 20

Notes: The Rams will face a Malden squad coach Terry Flannigan expects to be the SEMO South division favorite. The Green Wave are led by returning running back Trey Porter. Porter was one of the top rushers last year after finishing with more than 1,500 yards. Scott City will feature only three returning starters, with new players at the skill positions. Running back Jonathan Barr will likely carry much of the load after averaging more than four yards a carry in limited duty for the Rams last season.

Grandview at Chaffee, 7 p.m.

Last year's records: Chaffee 0-10, Grandview 2-8

Last year's meeting: Grandview 27, Chaffee 0

Notes: Chaffee will open the second Charlie Vickery era at home against another struggling program in Grandview. Grandview can thank the Red Devils for two of its three wins over the past two seasons, and it is likely the game will be one of the most winnable games of the season for both teams. Chaffee is 3-4 against Grandview over the past seven seasons.

Priory at St. Vincent, 7 p.m.

Last year's records: St. Vincent 13-1, Class 1 state champions; Priory 3-7

Last year's meeting: St. Vincent 36, Priory 14

Notes: St. Vincent will start its state title defense at home with a new-look lineup which features just three returning starters on each side of the ball. The Indians do have one of the top two-way players in the area in Waylon Richardet. Priory returns eight starters on offense and defense, including running back Charlie Schafly, who rushed for 875 yards last season.

Perryville at Windsor, 7 p.m.

Last year's records: Perryville 5-6; Windsor 3-7

Last year's meeting: Perryville 27, Windsor 13

Notes: Perryville will be looking for an early win before entering the toughest part of its schedule in weeks two through four. The Pirates have also experienced a roster overhaul, and many of their starters will get their first big taste of varsity ball against the Owls. Windsor returns much of its starting lineup from a team which opened the season 0-5 last year and did not score more than 19 points in any of its seven losses. Despite their struggles, the Owls had a chance to win their district but lost 35-11 in their final game.

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Saturday, September 3

Hillcrest (Miss.) at Jackson, 7 p.m.

Last year's records: Jackson 7-3, Hillcrest 5-5

Last year's meeting: did not meet

Last week's games: Hillcrest 39, Central Hinds 10

Notes: Hillcrest Christian Academy is off to a 1-1 start after a 39-10 home win last Friday. Hillcrest opened its season in Nashville, Tenn., with a 37-13 loss to Brentwood Academy. Hillcrest, out of Jackson, Miss., will travel nearly 6 hours for the game. The Indians ended two straight losing seasons with a 7-3 campaign last year but the have few starters returning. Junior quarterback Rex Meyr will give the Indians a more mobile option behind center this season.