Jackson sends its power, strength up against Central's speed, skill

~ The Indians have won the last three games in the series by a combined 96-20.

The level of attention surrounding tonight's rivalry game between Central and Jackson has been amped up several notches as the squads will square off for the 100th time.

Lost amidst the talk of tradition, T-shirts and pre-game ceremonies is the game itself.

Central has been blown out the past two years and will travel to Jackson for the 7 p.m. kickoff tonight as underdogs once again.

"We have to play with a lot of intensity but make sure they don't get too excited," Central coach Lawrence Brookins said. "We don't want them to wear themselves out mentally so you can't do it physically."

Jackson has stormed out of the gates with a 4-1 record, and an offense which has scored 24 or more points in all five games. The Indians have outscored their opponents 92-16 in their past two wins, both at home.

Much of that offense has come without the benefit of impressive statistics from one player. Running backs Trae Smith and Cody Randen have shared most of the carries, with Randen leading the duo with 399 yards following a 183-yard performance last week. Jackson's defense has given the Indians plenty of short fields.

"We've been happy with that," Jackson coach Carl Gross said of the scoring. "One of the big reasons for that is obviously our special teams and defense. We've done a good job with field position on special teams. Grant's [Ressel] kicks into the end zone have been big for us. Rex [Meyr] has punted the ball really well.

"A point is a point no matter how you get it. Whether it's a field goal a safety or a short field. Maybe the way we've done it has been a little bit of a surprise."

Central's greatest challenge likely will come up front, where its offensive line will have to find a way to slow down a ferocious Jackson defensive front. Counting sacks, Jackson's defense held a Clayton ground game to minus-82 yards last week. The Indians had 11 sacks against Clayton.

Jackson noseguard Adam Collier has been a big part of the defensive dominance up front.

"Our ability to contain the noseguard with our center and guards is going to be key for us, as it is every year we play Jackson," Brookins said.

Following an 0-3 start, the Tigers have started to gain momentum with a pair of dominating wins.

"It helps when you get that first win so the second one seems a little more in reach," Brookins said. "When you get the second one, the third one doesn't seem so hard and so on and so on."

The Tigers will try us their speed at the skill positions to gain an advantage. Starting tailback Hykeem Hammonds, who has rushed for more than 100 yards each of the past four games, provides big-play ability out of the backfield. Sophomore receiver George Hamilton has averaged more than 24 yards a catch.

Brookins said while his team may have more overall speed, the players have to play at top speed every play in order to take advantage of their speed.

"I do believe our team speed is better, but when we watched film of them [Jackson], it looked like every player played every play to the speed they were blessed with, so they do play fast," Brookins said. "That's an important point."

Central quarterback Blake Slattery completed his final 13 passes in last week's win against St. Charles West, and has thrown for an area-best 694 yards and six touchdown passes this season.

"What I've seen of them they've got some guys that can get up and catch it," Gross said. "It will be a huge challenge for our defense. The thing we can't let happen is we can't let Mr. Slattery sit back there all day and throw the football."

Beyond the hype and bragging rights, a win tonight for Jackson would put the Indians in line to clinch a third straight undefeated conference mark next week at Poplar Bluff. On the other side, a win for the Tigers would match last year's win total.

"The big thing about this one -- and I think coach Brookins said it best -- this is our most important game of the year because it's our next game," Gross said. "That's how you have to approach it."