MIRACLES HAVE RUN OUT RECENTLY FOR SEMO FOOTBALL

When Tim Billings took over the Indians' program in December, he knew his first SEMO squad had plenty of deficiencies. In amazing triumphs over Southern Illinois and Illinois State, those shortcomings weren't exactly masked, but they were kind of glossed over by the euphoria of the victories.

But any coach knows he can't make a consistent living by winning games such as the SIU and Illinois State contests. In the former, the Indians erased a 31-0 deficit. In the latter, they were outgained in total offense roughly three to one but somehow prevailed.

Now sitting at 2-4 after three consecutive losses, the Indians are still probably doing a bit better than most people not associated with the program had envisioned, especially considering just how tough their schedule has been so far and considering they have been solid underdogs in every game they've played to this point, including the two wins.

With five games left in the season and with what looks like many of the tougher contests already behind them the Indians should still have a decent chance to notch a few more victories. Beating hapless Tennessee-Martin is a virtual lock, and SEMO also figures to match up at least relatively well with most of the other remaining opponents.

But Billings long-term task in building up the SEMO program will have little to do with what happens the rest of this year. It will be in recruiting the type of athletes he needs to overcome the overall shortcomings in talent the Indians currently have.

• Realistically, it looks like there is very little hope left of even a respectable season for the Missouri Tigers, who were thumped at home 38-17 Saturday by what appeared to be a very mediocre Kansas squad.

Owning a 2-4 record and with five games remaining, the Tigers will almost certainly be heavy underdogs in three of those contests at Texas, at Iowa State and at home against Kansas State probably a slight underdog at home against Colorado and maybe a slight favorite at lowly Baylor.

Either way you slice it, it appears as if the Tigers will be lucky to win two more games, and that might even be a bit optimistic.

Considering all the money the MU administration has pumped into the football program in recent years, you've got to wonder if coach Larry Smith will be fired if as it appears the Tigers go on to have a second straight dismal season.

• High school football games across the state will take on added importance starting this week as district play begins.

Entering district competition, three Southeast Missouri teams are still undefeated: Jackson, St. Vincent and New Madrid.

Two squads Kennett and Hayti have just one loss, with Hayti's Indians definitely ranking as the area's surprise team so far, particularly after Friday night's impressive win over Scott City.

Over in Illinois, where the regular season ends this week, Anna-Jonesboro is having a breakthrough season, even with Friday's loss to DuQuoin. The 6-2 Wildcats look to have a solid chance of qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 1986.

• Major congratulations are in order for the Kelly and Delta softball teams, who are both headed to the state semifinals.

Kelly is in the Class 2A Final Four for the fourth time in the past five years while Delta is in the 1A Final Four in its first season of fall play. Both are incredible accomplishments.