Perfect Indians to open district

Vianney coach Glen Gladstone has a fail-safe plan to keep Jackson running back Mario Whitney in check.

It's a popular concept, really. Simply don't let Jackson have the ball.

And to do that, Vianney just needs to move the chains, eat up some clock and score.

But there's a slight problem.

"Nobody's done that this year," Gladstone said.

Gladstone knows his 2-5 Golden Griffins will have their hands full tonight when they take on sixth-ranked Jackson (7-0) at 7:30 p.m. at Jackson Stadium in the first round of Class 5A, District 1 play.

Vianney is better than its record would indicate. The Griffins have lost three games by 13 points or less, but they have also been blown out by Parkway West and SLUH.

"We're struggling right now, but there are three games where we've been on the verge of winning," Gladstone said. "If we pull those games out, we're 5-2 and ready to go into districts on a roll. But when you're reeling, Jackson's a tough bunch to go against."

Indeed.

Jackson hasn't played any of the state's top teams, but it has dominated every opponent on its schedule. Led by linebacker Seth Harrell's 82 tackles and three interceptions, the Indians have posted four shutouts and have held teams to an average of seven points per contest.

"That's the great unknown secret about Jackson," Gladstone said. "They play great defense. They get to the ball in a hurry."

Jackson knocked off Vianney 27-0 last year and, on paper, it appears the game could be lopsided again this year.

"We've watched them on film and I think they're a little down from where they were last year," said Jackson coach Carl Gross.

Vianney throws the ball quite a bit.

Quarterback Travis Hewitt has thrown for 566 yards this season, but has completed only 35 percent of his passes. Tom Mulvihill has caught 14 passes for 309 yards.

For Jackson, it's no secret what it will do on offense: a steady dose of Whitney.

Whitney, who has made an oral commitment to the University of Missouri, has already surpassed last year's rushing total when he was named all-state. He has gained 1,535 yards and has scored 27 rushing touchdowns.

"He's a piece of work," Gladstone said, chuckling. "He's even better than he was last year. But we're going to come out and do the things that we do well. They have enough weapons that if you scheme to just stop Mario, they can beat you in other areas."

Jackson has been a more focused team this season. The Indians have played at a high level in every game, except maybe the season opener against Sikeston. They have not played down to the level of their opponent.

Jackson defensive coordinator Van Hitt wants to keep it that way.

"Our main purpose is to stay focused," Hitt said. "We don't want to lose any intensity. Right now, we're playing for all the marbles. If we lose one game, our season ends with Poplar Bluff."