INDIANS FACE VOLATILE RAMS IN OPENER

Warning: Highly explosive football team coming to Jackson for season-opening contest.

That warning label describes the (St. Louis) Riverview Garden Rams as they enter tonight's season-opening contest hosted by the Indians at 7:30 p.m.

Last Friday during a Jamboree against Hazelwood Central, Francis Howell and McCluer North, Riverview ripped off several big plays that, if Jackson coach Carl Gross didn't have scouts at the scrimmage, he may not have believed what he heard.

"A couple of our coaches watched them play in their Jamboree," said Gross. "Against Francis Howell, (Riverview) scored on six of their 12 offensive snaps.

It's not clear whether Francis Howell was playing their top players on defense, but no matter who was on the field, Gross was impressed by the Rams' big-play potential.

"We probably couldn't score six times against our JV team," Gross said jokingly. "They have unbelievable speed and they're really big up front on both lines."

Riverview coach Darren Sunkett, entering his second year at the school, confirmed the Rams impressive touchdown total. With junior quarterback Chris Morten coming off a sizzling sophomore season and senior running back Tony Robinson back after rushing for 868 yards and nine touchdowns, Sunkett admits the Rams have the potential to score at any time. Morten passed for over 1,200 yards and 18 touchdowns, adding 400 yards on the ground.

"If we have all cylinders going, we can be explosive," said Sunkett. "I just hope we don't come out flat with the long bus ride."

The road trip will likely be the longest of the year for Riverview, which resides in the tough Suburban North Conference in St. Louis. Last year, Jackson beat Riverview on the road 21-6 in a game delayed over an hour because of a thunderstorm. Riverview ended the season 3-7, but 3-4 in its conference.

Jackson running back Devree Flint -- back for his senior season -- made an impact in Jackson's win, scoring the final touchdown and rushing for 75 on 11 carries.

"Last year's game was like a nightmare with all of our mistakes," said Sunkett, who's team was penalized for over 160 yards. "The wet field hindered our speed a little bit and slowed us down."

With the fall-like weather this past week, the Rams shouldn't have any problems displaying their speed if their huge line opens up running lanes. Sunkett said the Rams average about 265 pounds per man on an offensive line led by senior Cliff Young.