JACKSON PREPARES FOR THE UNKNOWN

With no concentrated scouting report on this week's opponent, the Jackson Indians football team did the only thing they could in preparation for tonight's 7:30 home game against the Vashon Wolverines.

They prepared for anything.

"Instead of preparing this week for Vashon, we caught ourselves preparing for everything," Gross said. "We ended up taking a look at a lot of different (defensive) fronts and put our (offense) in some situations and blitzes that hurt us a week ago."

Last week in Jackson, the Indians wore down a talented Riverview Gardens team 28-14. Vashon, idle last week, will open its season at Jackson. Vashon finished last year 4-5 overall and 4-2 in the St. Louis Public High League.

Although the Indians have the advantage of a game under their belt, Vashon will have the element of surprise working in its favor. Gross admitted he doesn't know a whole lot about the team.

"The only thing I have is we talked to a team that scrimmaged (Vashon) and they said they were big up front and fast," Gross said, comparing the Wolverines to last week's opponent Riverview. "It sounds like it will be deja vu, except the other team will be in blue and white instead of blue and gold."

Last year, under the same circumstances, Jackson beat Vashon 27-16. The Wolverines scored on the game's opening kickoff, but the Indians controlled the action from there. In total yards, Jackson outgained Vashon nearly 3-to-1.

"They'll have some good athletes because they had some awful good ones last year," said Gross. "We have to be ready to play because obviously they've got enough talent on that football team to score from anywhere at anytime."

Vashon, picked to contend for its league title, is led by talented quarterback Johnnie Cooper (6-2, 180). He's protected by a big line anchored by Cornelius Harris (6-2, 265) and Brian Taylor (6-2, 240). Linebacker Charles Williams (5-11, 210) should be around the ball on defense.

Without knowing for certain Vashon's offensive and defensive formations, Gross will rely heavily on the experienced players returning from last year.

"I've got some guys on the offensive line that are seniors and I told them I expected them to make adjustments as they go," Gross said. "If we do that, we'll do a better job of protecting our thrower and maybe be able to sustain some drives instead of relying on the big play."

Running back Devree Flint provided the big plays in last week's win. Flint opened his senior season with touchdown runs of 51, 29, and 47 yards on the way to 169 yards.

"I expect big things from Devree, but we have several other players that can be big play players," said Gross. "Todd Wessel, Kyle Ward, Travis Wilson and Justin Keen can all be big play people for us."