JACKSON ENDS 'BOOT CAMP' WITH SUMNER

The Jackson Indians probably can't wait to get out of town this afternoon.

Their last week of practice has been like a boot camp in the wake of last Friday's 17-14 loss to Sikeston.

"It left a horrible taste," Jackson coach Carl Gross said. "We basically spotted Sikeston 17 points through our lack of effort.

"It's been a pretty tough week in Jackson. Basically Monday was referred to as Black Monday."

Jackson's upcoming game will not provide time to relax. The Indians play Sumner tonight at 7:30.

Sumner is 0-1 after a 28-6 loss to East St. Louis last weekend. The Bulldogs are led by veteran coach Larry Walls, who has announced that this is his last year of coaching.

The Bulldogs are big up front and have outstanding speed in the backfield. They run a wing-T offense.

"They've got a big fullback and a couple of Corvette's back there," Gross said. "We can (deal with the speed) if we contain it. But if they get to the edge, we won't catch them."

Outside linebackers Ryan Beltz and Jason Jones, and defensive ends Johnny Catilla and Jason Schuler have the responsibility of closing off the edges this week, and cornerback Tory Meyr will switch to safety when Sumner is in its usual running formations.

Beltz forced a fumble on a sack against Sikeston.

"We have to play smart on the edge," Gross said. "There's a lot of pulling and trapping, and sometimes overaggressiveness will get you in trouble."

Chris Freeman starts at quarterback for Jackson. Kelly McElrath may also see time under center.

Freeman completed only one of seven passes for five yards last week, but Jackson rolled up 250 yards rushing on 48 carries. Todd Wessel had 184 of those rushing yards on 24 carries. He also had a touchdown.

"We're not going to be able to line up and play mash ball," Gross said. "We have to spread out and try to throw."

After finishing 11-1 last year, Jackson was hit hard by graduation, and came into their opener last week on somewhat uncertain footing.

When Jackson fell behind 17-0 in the first half against Sikeston, Gross was not angered by the score as much as the way the Indians played.

"We had people taking plays off and people backing down at the point of attack." Gross said. "Obviously, we can't have that if we want to beat Sumner."

When the Indians step off the bus in St. Louis, they would be well-advised to remember the week they left behind.

"I don't know what Indians team is going to show up," Gross said. "But there will be no excuse for lack of effort."