Sectional football glance 11/12/03

North County (9-1) at Central (8-2)

Last week: Central 49, Poplar Bluff 28; North County 63, De Soto 6

Notes: Central and North County are meeting for the fourth time in the past three seasons. Central leads the recent series 2-1 with its most recent win a 25-18 decision in week four. Central's running game has been dominant the last three weeks, highlighted by a 45-carry, 210-yard performance by Brandon Twiggs against Poplar Bluff. Craft has 1,937 yards passing on the season. Central's defensive backs will be tested once again tonight with the air attack offense of North County. Adam Howard has thrown for 1,801 yards with 21 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Lucas Hulsey is North County's top receiver with 34 catches for 693 yards. Mark Dunaway is the Tigers' top receiver with 35 catches for 673 yards. The Raiders can run when they have to with Dan Harris (617 yards) and Mark Stolle (568 yards). Paris (9-1) at St. Vincent (7-3)

Last week: St. Vincent 14, Valle 12; Paris 34, Louisiana 13

Notes: Paris is making only its second sectional appearance since 1994 when it visits Perryville tonight. The Indians are back for the first time since 2000, a year in which they made the state finals. Both teams rely heavily on the ground game, with Paris back Ryan Talton coming into the game with 2,120 yards rushing this season on 234 carries. Talton has 32 touchdowns. The Indians have brothers Chris and Kyle Kline coming out of the backfield along with the kicking ability of Zach Moll. St. Vincent has allowed more than 17 points only once. Paris has allowed an average of 19 points a game.

-- Jeremy Joffray