JACKSON READY TO TAKE ANOTHER STEP FORWARD

First the Jackson High football team earned a Class 5A state ranking, the first in the history of the school.

Then the Indians claimed the SEMO Conference and District 1 titles by completing an undefeated regular season, the first perfect grid season at Jackson since 1935.

Now the seventh-ranked Indians (11-0) are shooting for another goal never accomplished by any 5A football team in Southeast Missouri.

With a 5A quarterfinal victory over the Parkway Central Colts (9-2) tonight in St. Louis, the Indians would become the first 5A football team in the area to ever play in the state semifinals.

"I'm not aware of that, but I do know if we win we get a chance to play at our place," said Jackson coach Carl Gross, of the fact Jackson would host the semifinal game on Saturday. "I like our chances playing at home no matter who we're playing."

But, as Gross knows all too well, its first things first.

After knocking off previously undefeated and sixth-ranked Kirkwood 34-7 Wednesday in the sectional round, the Indians have another chance to solidify their spot as a powerful 5A program with a victory over Parkway Central.

The Colts, who lost earlier in the season to Kirkwood 28-22, pounded Northwest on the road 42-14 in their sectional. But most importantly for Jackson, the Colts are another St. Louis team that could earn the Indians more respect on a state-wide level with a victory.

"We've talked about gaining a measure of respect in St. Louis and I imagine a lot of people will come to see what they've been reading about and see if we're for real," Gross said. "I'd sure like to show them we do play good football in Southeast Missouri."

Parkway Central, after opening the season just 2-2 with losses to Jefferson City (48-10) and Kirkwood, has rolled off seven comfortable wins.

Returning three starters on offense and five on defense from last year's 7-5 team, the Colts were the preseason favorite to win the Suburban West Conference. But Kirkwood's undefeated record -- and Week 4 victory over the Colts -- spoiled that prediction.

Despite losing to Kirkwood, the Colts present a few more challenges to the Indians.

"They're not as big as Kirkwood, but they have more quickness, speed and they run a lot of formations," said Gross. "Defensively, we'll have to be prepared to stop a more multiple offense."

Parkway Central likes to move the ball on the ground with senior Clarence Jones (1,327 yards, 18 TDs) and Nathan Konze (733 yards, 14 TDs). Jones (6-feet, 190 pounds) has played on the varsity since he was a freshman.

Unlike Kirkwood, the Colts can also use the pass as a weapon. Quarterback Andy Seeger has completed 47 of 87 passes for 806 yards.

The Colts' defense is led by Division I-A college prospect Antwaun Bynum (6-2, 190). Last year as a junior, Bynum racked up 137 tackles at linebacker, with 97 tackles unassisted.

A healthy Devree Flint in the Jackson backfield will be important for the Indians. Flint, who injured his ankle in the second half of Wednesday's win, didn't participate in contact drills during practice this week. But, as he closes in on a 2,000-yard season, Flint is expected to start.

"Devree's ankle has been sore, but he really wants to play," said Gross. "He went through walk-through's Sunday and he looked pretty good so he'll be in there."

The Indians have counted on Flint to carry the load more as the season has worn on and Flint has continued to deliver with the help of offensive linemen J.P. Hall, Justin Petzoldt, Kent Langston, Nick Lohman and Kyle Thompson.

Despite Kirkwood keying on Flint most of the game Wednesday, he still managed 168 yards and two TDs on 26 carries. Flint enters tonight with 1,842 yards and 30 TDs.

"We get a lot of beef over there in front, and Devree has a very good understanding of the game," said Gross. "When you need a yard you give it to your horse behind your horses."

Also in the Indians' backfield, Todd Wessel is expected to see more action as he recovers from a hip injury. Wessel, not expected to play against Kirkwood, scored on a nine-yard run and rushed for 27 yards on five carries. Wessel has nearly 500 yards on the year.

"Todd's getting better every day," said Gross. "He took a lot more snaps (in practice) and told me he's really starting to feel good again."

The Indians will playing their first road game since a 35-8 sectional loss to Mehlville last year that ended their season. But if the Indians thought that loss was bad, Parkway Central lost to Mehlville 62-27 in the quarterfinals.

"It's been business as usual for us," said Gross. "We're excited about playing and being on the road is no big deal to us."

* Two other area teams will be hosting quarterfinal games tonight in Southeast Missouri.

In Class 2A, Portageville (9-2) will host the Lutheran North Crusaders (9-2).

In Class 3A, the second-ranked MICDS (Country Day) Rams will come to New Madrid to play the 9-2 Eagles. Country Day is 10-0.

Football Playoffs

Quarterfinals

Tonight's Area Games

(7:30 p.m. kickoffs)

Class 5A

Jackson at Parkway Central

Class 3A

MICDS at New Madrid Central

Class 2A

Lutheran North at Portageville