SCOTT CITY FACES ANOTHER FORMIDABLE 2A OPPONENT

Scott City attempts to take the next step in a continuing progression in its second game of the 1998 season, at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Portageville.

The Rams, who improved from 4-6 in 1996 to 7-3 last year, have an opportunity to begin this season 2-0 against one of the area's traditional Class 2A powers.

Last week, the Rams won their season-opener over Malden 39-12.

"Portageville is probably the top dog in the (SEMO Southern Division)," Scott City coach Terry Flannigan said. "They're supposed to be not as good this year, but they've got some kids who can hurt you in different ways."

Portageville is 0-1 after losing to Gosnell, Ark. 57-21 last weekend. Last year, Portageville topped Scott City 28-14 in a Class 2A district contest.

"We took a lot of grief from last year's loss," Flannigan said. "We played well enough to win. Take away a couple of plays and maybe we're in the semifinals instead of them."

Quarterback Lance Amick connected with Brandon Amick for a touchdown pass and Jason Bickings scored on a punt return at home against Malden last Friday.

The Rams also ran the ball like a potential semifinalist. Junior running back Matt Underwood rolled up 288 yards on 18 carries and scored three touchdowns.

They will run multiple sets out of their split-back pro formation.

"We want to establish a running game," Flannigan said. "We're going in with the frame of mind of every down and every inch."

Portageville traditionally has been capable of stopping the run. Only three years ago, they completed an entire regular season without allowing a point.

"They've always played tough defensively," Flannigan said. "It looks like five yards, and then five bodies get there in the snap of a finger."

Portageville is also a run-oriented team, operating out of a split-back veer, with 5-foot-11, 230-pound running back John Walker serving as the primary weapon.

The Bulldogs' first-team quarterback Chris Robinson (broken knuckle) is expected to miss the game, however.

If the Rams can come away with a win over the Bulldogs, something they have not done in Flannigan's three years, they will be on their way to taking the next step.

"We knew these first few were going to give us a real indication of whether we can contend for a playoff spot," Flannigan said. "We're looking at this as step two in our 10-step progression."

Gosnell, Ark. at Chaffee

Gosnell, Ark., put up 57 points in a victory over Portageville last weekend.

On Friday, Chaffee hosts the scoring machine from the south. The game begins at 7:30 p.m.

"Any time you play Gosnell, you've got to be prepared to match them when they score," Chaffee coach Brian Horrell said, "because they're going to score."

Gosnell seldom passes. Last week, running back Ivan Brown ran for over 200 yards, and had interception and kickoff returns for touchdowns.

Gosnell runs a double wing-T offense with its linemen foot-to-foot.

"You can't even see where the ball is," Horrell said.

Chaffee is 0-1 after a 14-13 loss at Grandview last Friday. The Red Devils held their opponent to 85 yards rushing on 32 carries but gave up 14 cheap points, six of which came on a 93-yard kickoff return.

Tommy Stidham ran for 102 yards for the Red Devils.

Last year, Chaffee held tough in a 48-18 loss to Gosnell. For the game, they were outgained by only two yards.

"We're capable of playing with them," Horrell said. "We have a big challenge, but we're ready for it."

Sikeston at Charleston

Charleston does not need any prodding to get up for its annual game against Sikeston.

On Friday, the teams will meet for the 118th time, in a continuation of a series which is older than any west of the Mississippi River. The game is at 7:30 p.m. at Charleston.

"Everybody gets up for this one," Charleston coach Dan Kesselring said. "If we can come out and play with the same intensity we had against Kennett, we have a good chance."

Both teams are 1-0. Charleston edged Kennett 28-27 on Friday. Sikeston topped Jackson 17-14.

"Our linebackers (Travis Kent, Dan Shelby, Kevin Brown and Larry Mitchell) are going to have to come up big," Kesselring said.

Last year, Sikeston won the meeting 32-30.

Perryville at Ste. Genevieve

Let there be no mistaking Perryville's intentions Friday night.

"Our goal is to not have to pass the football," Perryville coach Jerry Tucker said. "We're going to try to take you outside and beat you up."

The Pirates have taken some lumps the last three years against Ste. Genevieve. Last year, they lost the game 37-15.

If last weekend's 21-0 victory over Farmington is an indication, this could be the year Perryville turns it around. The Pirates ran the option efficiently, with quarterback Derek Cattoor rushing for 126 yards and two touchdowns.

"We thought that last year might have been the year too, but they put a couple of quick touchdowns on us," Tucker said. "I'm really sure where we stand yet, but I like the fact that we're senior-oriented and smart."

St. Vincent at Fredricktown

Just which one is the large school anyway?

St. Vincent, a Class 1A school, outnumbers Fredricktown, a Class 3A school, on the sidelines.

It's not a knock on Fredricktown. Out of 91 boys at St. Vincent, 71 play football, a remarkable percentage.

The Indians hope their advantage in depth plays a role when they visit Fredricktown at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

"It's going to allow us to give some individuals a rest, but we'll have to come ready to play," St. Vincent's coach Paul Sauer said. "Hopefully, our offensive line will continue to play the way it did in the second half last week."

St. Vincent came back to beat Carlyle 28-21 last Friday. Linemen Ryan Lindsley, Pat Lipe, Andy Schremp, Kyle Eggers and Mike Winkler blasted sizable holes for Brian Meyer to run through.

Fredricktown is also 1-0 after a decisive 31-6 win over Park Hills. Jeremy Penwell rushed for 178 yards on 16 carries.

"Honestly, the teams we're getting ready to play are better football teams," Fredricktown coach Kent Gibbs said. "(St. Vincent) has an ability to wear you down."

St. Vincent won the game 15-0 last year.

Tonight's Games

Cape Central at New Madrid

Jackson at Sumner

Scott City at Portageville

Gosnell, Ark. at Chaffee

Perryville at Ste. Genevieve

St. Vincent at Fredericktown

Sikeston at Charleston

Blytheville, Ark. at Poplar Bluff

Caruthersville at Kennett

Paragould, Ark. at Dexter

Piggott, Ark. at East Prairie

Malden at Hayti

Anna-Jonesboro at Benton

Massac County at Cairo