PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER

We've done the research, talked to the coaches and players, been to a few practices and we've written the stories.

But the truth is, we still don't know for sure.

Right now, the picture of high school football in Southeast Missouri is an abstract one.

For instance, we know Cape Central has undergone an attitude adjustment, but will it be enough to raise the Tigers back to respectability?

We know Mario Whitney is fast, but are his wheels, a big line and a tough defense enough to drive Jackson to contention for a title in 5A?

We know the Scott City Rams and the Sikeston Bulldogs are big up front, but are they broad enough to overcome inexperienced backfields?

We know G.P. Glueck is a fine athlete, but can he shoulder the vacancy left by running back Tommy Stidham?

We know St. Vincent kicker Derek Kutz has one heck of a right leg, but is this the year the Indians leg out a state title?

We know Perryville underachieved last year, but will a new offense spark the Pirates to challenge for a district title?

We know Fredericktown's Steve Francis has got some pipes, but can he power Fredericktown to its first back-to-back winning seasons in 37 years?

We know Charleston will pass the ball a lot, but will Russell Crawford's right arm lift the speedy Bluejays back to .500 and beyond?

At this point, the edges are still fuzzy and the pieces don't quite fit. But as the weeks go by, the picture will become clear.