Indians wield own intimidation- Home

When I talked to Hazelwood East coach Corey Johnson Thursday, I was very impressed.

The coach talked intelligently with much respect not only for me, but for Jackson's coaches, players and overall football program.

It's ironic that his players echoed opposite sentiments in a FOX Sports Midwest preview on today's Class 5A semifinal.

Using phrases like "He's not half the player he thinks he is" and "We're going to shut him up" certainly isn't showing much respect for Jackson's Mario Whitney. After 2,600 yards, 43 touchdowns and numerous big-time scholarship offers, I think No. 20 deserves a little respect.

There were some other comments, too, which left me scratching my head and wondering, why the trash talk? I think the Spartans may be trying to intimidate the Indians.

If that's the case, I don't think it's working.

After talking to the coaches and several players this week, Jackson isn't intimidated. They love the underdog role, but they're going into the game to win.

"They're a good team," Jackson coach Carl Gross said.

"And we respect them. But we're not afraid of them."

Besides, nobody comes to "The Pit" and intimidates the Indians.

I've heard East tries to use intimidation as part of their pregame routine.

Jackson may indeed get blown out today. Hazelwood East has potential Division I players all over the field.

The Spartans are ranked No. 20 in the nation according to one poll.

But I can guarantee you this: Jackson won't lose because it's intimidated.

We'll see who intimidates whom.

I expect Jackson's stadium to be packed tighter than ever today, another standing-room only crowd. I expect to see a little more red. I expect the roars to be louder. I expect the band to turn up the volume a notch or two.

And I expect the Indians to play their hearts out.

"This is our first experience at Jackson," Johnson said. "There's two 12-0 teams that are very good. They know the type of atmosphere there will be."

Hazelwood East will bring a lot of fans and a lot of folks from the Suburban North Conference will likely make the trek down Interstate 55.

But I've got a feeling the Spartans have never seen anything like they'll see today and I'm not talking about the cheap gas.

"Somebody asked me why we didn't move the game to Houck Stadium so we could fit more people," said Jackson coach Carl Gross. "That didn't even cross my mind. We want to play right here at 'The Pit.' There's no place like home."

Bob Miller is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian.