JACKSON HAS RARE CASE OF INEXPERIENCE

Indians still set high goals despite big losses to graduation.

The bar is still set high for Jackson football, it's just that the jumpers will be a little less experienced in 1998.

Jackson High School has set a standard of excellence over the past four years with two state championship appearances in Class 4A and district titles in Class 5A the past two years. During that span the Indians are 42-8.

Last year's team suffered its only loss in the 5A quarterfinals to Parkway Central and finished 11-1.

"We've been real fortunate the last four years," said Jackson head coach Carl Gross. "We've had some very good football teams, and I think this group has a chance of being a good football team. The difference this year is we're doing it with people unproven."

The Indians bring back only four players with what Gross calls `true' varsity experience.

And while question marks abound at many key positions, Gross said the expectations are still high.

Many of the starting jobs were to be determined in last Friday's Jamboree.

"Last year the Jamboree was a tune-up," said Gross. "This year we're still trying to win varsity starting positions."

No position exemplifies the questionable nature than quarterback. Over the past four seasons the Indians have known only two varsity quarterbacks in Michael Gross and Justin Keen, both now playing for Southeast Missouri State University.

This season as many as four quarterbacks could see playing time. Seniors Paul Findlay (5-feet-8, 178 pounds), Andy Callis (6-1, 175) and Kelly McElrath (6-0, 165) and junior Chris Freeman (6-1, 170) are all challenging for the starting job.

Freeman, Finley and McRaff split time at quarterback on the JV team last year and Callis played quarterback as a freshman and has been moved back after starting at safety for the varsity last year.

"Nobody is taking the bull by the horns," said Gross.

All four were expected to get equal time during the Jamboree.

The Indians will also be missing the bull-type running back of the previous four seasons. Devree Flint, the last of a run of 200-plus pound running backs, rushed for 1,926 yards last year and 30 touchdowns. He too has moved on to Southeast.

Emerging from Flint's shadow this season will be Todd Wessel, one of three returning starters on offense. Wessel ran for nearly 600 yards last season and will be counted on heavily in the double-wing offense.

At 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, Wessel is not as big as some of his predecessors, but Gross said he's faster as well as strong for his size.

"If Todd gets a crease, he can be hard to catch," said Gross.

Five players have battled for the other running back position. Senior Ryan Beltz (5-11, 185) and Ryan Propst (6-0, 165) led the JV in rushing last year. Juniors Tory Meyr (5-11, 150), a starting cornerback on the varsity last year, Cyle Huck (5-8, 140) and Adam Wachter (5-6, 145) are also in the mix.

Senior John Cotilla (5-11, 185) and juniors Jason Shuller (5-11, 200) and Josh Hopkins (5-10, 190) should all see time at fullback.

Senior offensive tackle Nick Lohman (6-2, 250) is the lone returner on the offensive line. Junior Spencer Hobeck (6-0, 220) and senior Jeff Hager (6-1, 175) are top candidates for the other tackle spot while senior Pee Wee Bartles (5-8, 170) will anchor the line at center.

The guard positions will be occupied by senior twins Derek Amelunke (5-11, 180) and Lucas Amelunke (5-11, 175) and junior Nathan Brown (5-10, 195).

A dogfight is being waged for the two tight end spots. Senior Nathan McWilliams (6-0, 201) saw some starting time last year and is joined by senior Harith Jones (6-2, 180) and juniors Kevin Brunke (6-1, 180), Jason Jones (6-1, 175) and Mike Goodwin (6-0, 170).

The Indians may occasionally use a split back formation with Harith Jones, Meyr, senior Robert Haupt (6-0, 160) or junior Clay Landgraf (5-10, 145) lining up as wide receivers.

The Indians adopted the double wing offense last year and Gross says it fits his team's personnel and can give other teams fits.

"There's a lot of misdirection and people see it only once a year," he said. "Other teams have to prepare differently. And when you only have three or four days, that should work to our advantage."

The defense will use four- and five-man fronts.

The defensive line should consist of Hobeck, Schuller, Brown, Hager and the Amelunke twins.

At outside linebacker will be Beltz, Cotilla, Jason Jones and on the inside Wessel, Bartles, Brunke, McWilliams, Hopkins and Goodwin.

Secondary personnel will consist of Callis, Meyr, Harith Jones, Haupt, junior Toby Freeman (5-11, 170) and McElrath.

Jackson opens the season Friday night at home against Sikeston.