PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SCOTT CITY CARRIES UNBLEMISHED MARK INTO RIVALRY CONTEST

At this point, the Scott City Rams know not to look past anybody.

At least they should.

After a near upset loss to perennial doormat (albeit much improved) East Prairie and after Chaffee gave the Rams all they wanted in last year's game, it's doubtful that Scott City will be looking ahead to Park Hills, next week's foe.

And that could be bad news for Chaffee.

The Red Devils (2-2) and the Rams (4-0) will rumble tonight in Scott City when bragging rights are on the line in a battle of Scott County towns that are just eight miles apart.

"The rivalry isn't quite as intense as it's been in the past, but it's a big game," Chaffee coach Allan Horrell said. "It always is and always will be. We look at this as being our biggest game of the year."

The Red Devils have nothing to lose since most football followers have already conceded the SEMO South Conference title to Scott City after the Rams, ranked sixth in Class 2A, knocked off Malden in the first week of the season.

But Scott City coach Stephen O'Brien knows nothing is a foregone conclusion. Last year, Chaffee was down just 7-0 at halftime, but ended up falling 28-0.

"I think our kids didn't think Chaffee had a chance last year," said O'Brien. "But they gave us fits. I think the kids remember that."

Scott City boasts an impressive two-headed running attack. Marcus Klund and Brad Glenn make a lethal tandem, Klund rushing for an area-high 619 yards this season despite playing through an ankle injury. Glenn, meanwhile, has gained 485 yards on the ground.

"Even though Klund has more yards," O'Brien said, "no one can focus just on him and that's pretty nice to have. Both of them have been running it real well. I like that 1-2 punch. Against East Prairie (in a 7-6 win) he (Klund) went out and they could focus on one person."

Horrell is just as impressed with Scott City's offensive line.

"The main thing is the size of their line," he said. "I give Scott City tons of credit -- they can really run the football. For us, we need to hold that line up and hopefully our backers can clean it up."

Chaffee is coming off a 19-0 win over Portageville. Scott City defeated Brentwood 48-13.

St. Pius at St. Vincent

The Indians, the second-ranked team in Class 1A, should get a test when they take on a St. Pius team that is 2-2 and has played some tough teams close.

St. Pius lost to Herculaneum 18-6 in the first game, lost to Park Hills 19-15, beat Ste. Genevieve-Valle 22-21 and rolled over Crystal City 35-7 last week.

St. Vincent is 4-0, but put up a comparable score against a common opponent as the Indians defeated Park Hills 22-19. The Indians blew out Brentwood 44-6, knocked off Lutheran South 13-10 and disposed of Grandview 65-12 last week.

Fred'town at Herculaneum

The Fredericktown Blackcats head into this game 3-1 after a 28-8 win over Potosi.

The Herculaneum Blackcats are also 3-1, but are difficult to gauge.

Herculaneum was demolished 54-23 by De Soto, but beat a tough Festus squad 26-19 and clobbered Park Hills 21-0, a team which took St. Vincent to the wire in Week 1.

Festus took care of Fredericktown 41-8 two weeks ago in a game that was closer than the score indicated.

Perryville at North County

North County isn't quite the power that it has been in recent years, but Perryville is reeling after an 0-4 start.

The Raiders are 2-2 with wins over Roosevelt and Seckman, and losses to Farmington and Jefferson City-Helias.

Perryville, an average team that is a victim of a brutal schedule, has suffered losses to Waynesville, Ste. Genevieve, Jackson and De Soto. The combined record of the Pirates' first four opponents is 14-2.

Charleston at Malden

Charleston (0-4) is still looking for its first win after state-ranked New Madrid dominated the Bluejays 40-0.

Malden (2-2), which lost starting quarterback Conrad Ivie for the season, is coming off an impressive 21-14 win over Class 3A Dexter last week.

Poplar Bluff at Sikeston

Sikeston (2-2) will be looking to get back on track after suffering a 41-21 upset loss to Kennett last week in a game which the Bulldogs allowed sophomore running back Tyree Goolsby to run for 324 yards last week on 25 carries.

The Mules (3-1) are coming off a 20-7 win over Cape Central.