JACKSON BIDS FOR 9-0 MARK

The Jackson Indians will take their shiny new 5A state ranking on the road tonight to face the Sikeston Bulldogs at 7:30.

But Jackson coach Carl Gross isn't expecting the Bulldogs to rollover and play dead because of the Indians' No. 10 ranking in the 5A poll.

"It's just a number," said Gross. "We appreciate it, but we understand that the state ranking is not going to cause the Bulldogs to spot us two touchdowns. We're still the same football team we were a week ago when we weren't ranked."

And that team has been pretty impressive. Jackson will take an undefeated 8-0 mark into Sikeston against the 3-4 Bulldogs. Last week, the Indians opened districts with a 33-13 win over Cape Central. Sikeston lost at Poplar Bluff 35-25. Last year, Jackson opened districts with a 16-14 victory over Sikeston.

"They haven't given up hardly any points and offensively they've done whatever they've wanted to," said long-time Sikeston coach Charlie Vickery, comparing this year's Jackson team to past Indian squads. "This team ranks right up there with the teams that finished second in state. When you're 8-0, you're doing a lot of things right."

Last week's win over Cape Central may have been the Indians' most impressive victory this season. Jackson passed only five times, but still managed over 400 yards of total offense on a muddy field.

"Jackson has a good ball club," Vickery said. "Offensively they don't make any mistakes. They haven't had a close ball game all year."

True, the closest margin of victory for the Indians has been 14 points, but Gross has a few concerns about facing Sikeston.

"The biggest thing you worry about is their speed in the backfield," said Gross. "They have (Mark) Blissett and (Justin) Robinson and when Sikeston goes to a wishbone formation, they have both in the backfield at the same time."

Blissett appears to have recovered from a knee injury he suffered in the Bulldogs' opening game. After missing nearly three games, Blissett has come back to lead Sikeston with 702 yards and 10 touchdowns. Robinson, a speedy sophomore, has added 534 yards.

"Somebody told me a few weeks ago if you can stop Sikeston's run you can beat them, but I've watched two films on them and they do a pretty good job of throwing the ball," said Gross. "They are multi-dimensional. Our defenders will have to be on their toes, make reads and be ready to play."

Sikeston quarterback Mark Silverthorn has thrown for nearly 500 yards and three TDs.

"We're going to have our hands full with Sikeston," Gross said. "When you stop and look at it, they're a pretty good football team. They only play three home games and this is one of them."

Jackson's backfield of halfbacks Devree Flint and Todd Wessel and quarterback Justin Keen matchup very well with Sikeston's. Flint leads the area in scoring with 20 TDs and leads the Indians with 1,276 yards rushing. Wessel adds 456 yards on the ground and Keen 606 yards passing with nine scores.

Flint and Blissett should provide plenty of excitement for both sides.

"Blissett's more of a speed guy. He runs strong inside but he likes to get the ball on the edge, make his cuts and light the candles," Gross said. "Devree's more of an elusive back. He'll make you miss and then finish with his shoulders down."