JACKSON CRACKS CLASS 5A RANKINGS

A state ranking is nothing new to the Jackson Indians' football program.

But a Class 5A ranking ... now that's news.

The undefeated Indians (8-0) received the No. 10 spot in this week's 5A poll of Missouri sports writers and sportscasters released Tuesday. Although a fixture in the 4A poll for several years, the 5A ranking marks the first time Jackson has ever been ranked in the higher classification.

"It's a great honor to finally be ranked in 5A," said subdued Jackson coach Carl Gross. "I'm flattered that a small town like Jackson, Mo., could put its name in the 5A rankings and I'm proud for our kids. This is a great honor to be the first team to be ranked in 5A in Jackson history."

Jackson, coming off a 33-13 win over local rival Cape Central on Friday, is completing only its second season in Class 5A. The Indians replaced defending 5A champion Hazelwood Central (6-2) in the poll. The Hawks fell from the No. 5 slot with a 21-19 loss to Riverview Gardens.

Jackson beat Riverview 28-14 at home to open the 1997 season. The Rams only other loss was to No. 1 Pattonville (8-0).

"I'm sure (Riverview's win) had a lot to do with our ranking," said Gross. "I'm sure they're thinking we beat (Riverview) 28-14 and that played a good part in (the ranking)."

Besides being the first 5A ranking ever for Jackson, it also marks the first time since 1990 that an area 5A team has been ranked in the state poll. Poplar Bluff was the last local 5A team ranked. The Mules finished seventh in 1990 with a 12-1 record.

"When you're ranked, it means you're respected by people around the state and you want to be respected as a football team and as a program," said Gross. "But ... it doesn't matter where you're at during the year, it's where you're at in the end."

Gross was flattered but also cautious upon hearing of the Indians' state ranking. As he nears the end of his ninth season as head coach at Jackson, Gross was hardly expecting the state recognition.

"In my opinion, in order to be ranked you have to have played the people that have been successful in 5A and beat the people that have been successful in 5A," said Gross. "If we can go through and win our next two ball games, and then win a game our two in the playoffs, then I'll be one of the first ones lobbying for us."

The last time Jackson was state-ranked in the football poll was at the end of the 1995 season. The Indians finished second in Class 4A in both the 1994 and 1995 seasons.

"Right now this is an honor and we appreciate it, but we want to keep it in the right perspective," said Gross. "I want our kids to understand in order to maintain that ranking they'll have to continue to win because you're only as good as your next game."