Jackson finds tough sectional assignment

~ The Indians will face soccer power Vianney tonight

Jackson's two leading scorers weren't on the team the last time the Indians played in a Class 3 sectional soccer game.

But sophomores Ryan Schlick and Law Duncan will need to find the back of the net if their team hopes to buck Jackson's recent history in the sectional round.

Jackson suffered a 2-0 loss to Hazelwood Central in 2006 then another 2-0 setback in to Vianney in 2007. The Indians will get another crack at Vianney today when the teams play at 7 p.m. at the Anheuser-Busch Center in Fenton, Mo.

"We're definitely aware that they're a pretty good little team this year," Jackson coach Zack Walton said of Vianney. "They're not ranked No. 2 in the state for nothing. They haven't really blown a lot of people away this year."

Ryan Schlick leads Jackson's offense with 15 goals this season. (Fred Lynch)

Duncan leads the Indians with 15 goals, while Schlick's added 10 this season. Walton said his team is eager to face the state's No. 2-ranked team in Class 3.

"I think they're up for the challenge," Walton said. "I wouldn't say they're intimidated by any means. I think they understand who we're going up against and know that it's not going to be an easy game. I don't think they're intimidated. I think they're excited to get up there and play somebody."

Jackson's defense has been stout, with junior goalie Cody Boehme leading the way. Boehme has recorded 10 shutouts and allowed six goals in 16 games after taking over the position this season.

Senior forward Jon Roeckle leads the Griffins with 14 goals and 14 assists this season, according to stltoday.com. Senior Steve McAnany has seven goals and 12 assists.

"Some of our common opponents, our scores are pretty close," Walton said. "I feel like if our boys go up there and play really well, we can win. But at this time of year, if you don't play well, it's hard to win. It doesn't matter who you're playing."

Jackson enters with an 18-5 record, while Vianney has gone 18-6, according to stltoday.com. Three of those losses were against CBC, which is ranked No. 1 in Class 3.

The Indians enter the sectional round after a 2-1 overtime win against Seckman in the Class 3 District 1 final. Duncan delivered the game-winner, and Walton hopes to ride the momentum from that win to another Indians victory.

"We're finally kind of coming together toward the end of the season," Walton said. "It's nice to see that. As long as they remember it's a team and not an individual game out there and we just continue to move the ball and pass and move off the ball, I think we'll be all right. If we keep our intensity up, I think we're giving ourselves a good chance."

Editor's note: This version has been corrected from the print edition.