PREP COACHES PREDICT CHANGING OF GUARD; SIKESTON, NEW MADRID, MALDEN PICKED TO WIN CONFERENCE TITLES

Football coaches in the SEMO Conference are expecting a changing of the guard in two of the three conference divisions according to a poll of all the head coaches in the league.

Malden (South Division) was the only team picked to remain on top of its division from last year. Last year's division winners in the North (Jackson) and Central (Charleston) were both picked to fall to third in their respective divisions.

In a close vote, Sikeston was picked to place above Cape Girardeau Central in the North Division. In the Central Division, New Madrid County Central was the overwhelming choice to dethrone Charleston.

The poll was conducted this week, with each coach in the SEMO Conference asked to rank the teams in their division -- excluding their own team. Below is a brief preview of the SEMO Conference, with 1996 records and conference standing, heading into Friday night's openers:

SEMO NORTH

Sikeston Bulldogs

(6-4, 2-1 2nd)

Sikeston was the highest scoring team in the division and should be explosive again with the area's leading rusher from last year, senior Mark Blissett (1,570 yards).

But the Bulldogs lost a lot of experience on their line and will be replacing a 1,000-yard quarterback and all-state receiver.

Cape Central Tigers

(6-4, 0-3 4th)

Last year, the Tigers entered the 1996 SEMO Conference schedule with high-hopes and a 6-1 record. But three loses in those final three games ended Central's season in disappointing fashion.

The Tigers return about six players on both sides of the ball, including senior running back Justin Blackmon. Senior Tatum Kitchen will anchor the defense at linebacker and start at fullback on offense.

Jackson Indians

(8-2, 3-0 1st)

Jackson lost a lot from last season's playoff team, but still returns plenty of talent in 1997.

Senior Justin Keen moves from receiver to quarterback on offense, behind an experienced offensive line led by J.P. Hall. Senior running back Devree Flint should provide plenty of speed to a deep backfield.

Poplar Bluff Mules

(4-6, 1-2 3rd)

Former assistant Mark Barousse returns to Poplar Bluff as head coach and hopes to bring a more balanced offensive attack to the Mules.

Former option quarterback Andy Cisne will be counted on to throw more in the Mules multiple-set offense. Senior Ryan Schlimpert will be the featured running back and top linebacker. Mike Nelson anchors the defensive line and returns at tight end.

SEMO SOUTH

Malden Green Wave

(9-3, 5-0 1st)

After outscoring its opponents in the division 232-30 last year, Malden was the unanimous pick to remain on top.

Senior all-state quarterback Josh Blaylock returns off a 1,500-yard, 21 touchdown season and will have two quality linemen in front of him in third-year starters Will Ryan and Jeff Spence.

Portageville Bulldogs

(5-5, 3-2 2nd-tie)

Portageville tied for second in 1996 and is again selected to be knotted in the same position this year.

The Bulldogs return eight starters on both sides of the ball. Linebacker Gerald Pickering and linemen Marcus Evans and Trey Boatwright will lead a strong defense.

Scott City Rams

(4-6, 2-3 4th-tie)

The Rams, tied for second in the poll with Portageville, return several starters on both sides of the ball from last year's sub-.500 squad.

Defense looks like the strength, with seniors Howie Stubenrauch and Adam Spinks teaming with juniors Steven Thomas and Jeremy Mouser to give the Rams four solid linebackers.

East Prairie Eagles

(3-7, 3-2 2nd-tie)

After tying for second place last year, the Eagles are expected to fall a few notches this year.

The Eagles return experience on the line with Justin Bain, Ron Nash and Tony Dito. But depth may prove to be a problem on the line. Three-year starter Brink Chance suffered a shoulder injury and may be out for a while.

Chaffee Red Devils

(0-9, 0-5 6th)

According to the league coaches, it looks like the Red Devils will snap their 18-game losing streak this year.

Chaffee did not receive one last-place vote among the coaches in gaining a tie for fourth place in the poll. Chaffee returns several starters from last year's squad, and the experience should prove vital.

The entire backfield returns with Matt Graham at quarterback and sophomores Darren Lincoln and Tommy Stidham running the ball.

Hayti Indians

(2-8, 2-3 4th-tie)

Hayti has roughly 25 players out for football this season and those low numbers could mean bad news for the Indians in Jeff Parks first year at the school.

The Indians will rest their offensive fortunes on the shoulders of a freshman quarterback and injuries could be a major problem as the season wears on.

SEMO CENTRAL

New Madrid

(5-6, 3-1 2nd)

Even though they had a losing record last year, New Madrid County Central's Eagles got a lot of respect from the league coaches this year.

The Eagles have 18 seniors back for their final year including, quarterback Demarcus Johnson and running backs Sylvester Tate and Mike Walker. Jonathan Brown leads a huge offensive line and the Eagles appear to have speed to burn.

Dexter Bearcats

(5-5, 2-2 3rd)

Dexter looks inexperienced in spots, but senior running backs T.J. Riddle and Josh Swindle should help take any pressure off junior quarterback Joe Kennedy.

Senior tight end Michael Backfisch will provide a big target for Kennedy.

Charleston Blue Jays

(11-1, 4-0 1st)

The Blue Jays were arguably the best team in the area last year, but several talented players graduated from that team leaving the Blue Jays in a position to fall from the top of the league.

All-state running back Larico Coleman is one of only two offensive starters returning along with Larry Ingram. Rourk Ohmes and Mortez Hall saw action last year on the line.

Kennett Indians

(5-5, 1-3 4th)

Kennett has some quickness and speed, but coach Roland Johnson wouldn't tip his hand any more than that.

Johnson said he has seven seniors returning and he plans to spread the ball around.

Caruthersville Tigers

(1-9, 0-4 5th)

The Tigers have plenty of depth in the offensive and defensive backfields, but lack the size to do much damage this year.

Option quarterback Brandon Irions returns after combining for about 800 yards rushing and passing. Leading rusher Nathan Morgan suffered a knee injury early this week and will miss 2-4 weeks.

Area Football Poll

SEMO North

1) Sikeston (2) 8

2) Cape (2) 7

3) Jackson 5

4) Poplar Bluff 4

SEMO South

1) Malden (5) 25

2t) Portageville (1) 19

2t) Scott City 19

4t) East Prairie 11

4t) Chaffee 11

6) Hayti 5

SEMO Central

1)New Madrid (4) 16

2)Dexter (1) 12

3)Charleston 10

4)Kennett 8

5)Caruthersville 4

(First-place votes worth 4 points in North, 6 in South, 5 in Central. First-place votes in parenthesis.)