INDIANS KICKERS PACK MORE CONFIDENCE FOR SECOND SECTIONAL TRIP

JACKSON -- Last year, Jackson High boys soccer coach Bonnie Knowlan thought her team was simply happy to be in the playoffs after winning the school's first district title.

But this time around, Knowlan believes the Indians -- who last week won their second straight district championship -- want much more.

"Just getting to that (sectional) game last year kind of fulfilled everything they wanted," said Knowlan. "But this year, these kids really want to go further than just district."

If that is to happen, then the Indians must knock off Hazelwood Central today when the squads square off in a 5:30 p.m. Class 4A sectional contest at the Anheuser-Busch Conference & Sports Centre in Fenton.

"We're really pleased about the way the season has gone," Knowlan said. "To win district two years in a row is quite an accomplishment. We thought this year might not be as strong a year because we're so young, but I've been pleasantly surprised with the progress we've made."

And Knowlan believes that, even though Hazelwood Central is an extremely strong squad, the Indians have a solid chance at advancing.

"Last year when we played Lindbergh (a 3-1 Jackson loss), they were just so fast," said Knowlan. "Hazelwood Central is really good, but not nearly as fast as Lindbergh. I think we match up pretty well and I think we have a pretty good chance, if we play well."

Added Knowlan, "I really think we're pretty close teams. It's not one of the deals where I have to go back to my guys and say I'm really scared."

Jackson has a 20-4-2 record, fueled by a high-powered offense that is led by sensational senior Nathan Windeknecht, who has a school-record 48 goals.

But Windeknecht is not the Indians' only threat. Spencer Knowlan has 22 goals, followed by Raju Dirnberger with 14, Tyler Stearns with nine and Chris Kohm with eight.

"Nathan has just done so well, but we've got some other guys who have also been able to score," said Knowlan.

Hazelwood Central is 19-7-3 and, like most St. Louis teams, played a rugged schedule. The Hawks needed a four-overtime, penalty-kick shootout to beat McCluer 3-2 and claim a district title.

Derek Manion leads the Hawks with 17 goals while Tyler Linder has 13.

"I saw their game (against McCluer) Friday," Knowlan said. "They play a lot the way we do, pretty physical. I really think their strength is their defense. They've been in a lot of low-scoring games."

The teams have played one common opponent, Belleville West. Jackson defeated the Illinois squad 1-0 while Hazelwood Central claimed a 2-1 victory.