INDIANS LEAD TIGERS ON PAPER; SCORE STILL 0-0

If there were two players that Cape Central couldn't afford to lose, it was Justin Welker and O.J. Turner.

But look who Cape Central lost.

As if it wasn't already a mismatch on paper, the Class 4A Cape Central Tigers (2-3) will have to try to solve Jackson (5-0), the fourth-ranked team in 5A, without two of their best players when the teams meet tonight at Jackson Stadium.

The kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Turner, a bulldozing linebacker/fullback, suffered a stinger in his neck last week and he's still feeling some numbness and discomfort.

It's possible that Turner could see some action tonight, but -- as of Wednesday -- Turner said he wouldn't play.

Welker, a tight end/defensive end who has started every game since his sophomore year, is probably out for the season after breaking his ankle last week.

"We've had a very bizarre two weeks in terms of injuries," Cape Central coach Lawrence Brookins said. "I thought (kicker Brian) Emmendorfer was enough."

Emmendorfer will be available to kick extra points and field goals, but will not be able to play offense or defense for the rest of the season with an injured shoulder.

On top of those injuries, Turner's backup at linebacker, Josh Whirl, broke two ribs and punctured a lung and is out for the season.

Jackson, meanwhile, is relatively healthy -- and talented.

Led by junior running back Mario Whitney (837 yards, 18 touchdowns), who is one of the fastest athletes in the state, the Indians seem to have both a size and speed advantage over the Tigers.

"A lot of times these games look like on paper that they should be a blowout, but it never works that way," said Jackson coach Carl Gross. "It's what high school football should be. I know Cape Central will play well and I expect Jackson to play well."

That was the case last year, when Jackson entered the game as the heavy favorite but found itself trailing 10-9 at halftime before exploding late in the second half for a 36-10 victory.

Gross has been impressed with Cape Central's defense this year. The Tigers have yet to allow more than 20 points in a game.

"They held New Madrid to 20 points and from what I understand it could've been less than that," Gross said. "They're pretty stingy."

Jackson is coming off a 28-14 lukewarm win over Parkway North, a game where Jackson made numerous mental mistakes but still managed to outmatch a solid Viking outfit. That performance came a week after Jackson had by far its best game of the year, a spirited 43-14 win over Dyersburg.

This week, Gross is hoping to get back the Indians of Week 4.

"The focus and the concentration wasn't there last week," he said. "After watching the film, I'm convinced we played hard, but because we weren't mentally sharp we stalled a bit.

"It boils down to focus. Hopefully this week it'll take care of itself."

Cape Central coach Lawrence Brookins said his team has emphasized tackling Whitney with more than one person.

"Stopping Whitney is a high priority," Brookins said, referring to Southeast Missouri's touchdown leader. "Our goal is to have a team party on No. 20. I've watched a lot of film and he's spent a lot of time on his feet. He's run wild against some teams. He's going to get some yards but we've got to try to contain him. Granted, it's easier said than done."

Cape Central is led in rushing by Jamelle Austin. He has 400 yards and one touchdown on 81 carries.

Cape Central (2-3)

vs.

Jackson (5-0)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

Place: Jackson H.S.

Last year's game: Jackson 36, Cape Central 10