Southeast Missourian Gridiron Guide: Week 2

Each week, Southeast Missourian sports editor Tony Capobianco will provide a quick matchup rundown for each of the seven area teams. Now that we are one week into the 2023 season, there's a lot more meat on the bone in these ribs.

__St. Vincent at Scott City__

There was a time when the game between these two teams had Class 1 ramifications. It was only two years ago when the Rams and Indians clashed in the state tournament, with Scott City winning.

Now with Scott City in Class 2 this season, this matchup is just about avoiding starting the season 0-2.

"It's important to get that first win of the year," Scott City running back Tyson Underwood said. "That momentum from that first win to carry onto the rest of the season is big. We can't start the year 0-2, and they have the same record as us."

Scott City started the season with a 26-14 loss on the road against Dexter. Senior quarterback Mark Panagos left with an injury in the first half but is practicing this week and looks like he'll return to the field.

St. Vincent lost to Thayer 21-18 on the road but has demonstrated an offensive connection between quarterback Christian Schaaf and Jacob Schremp, which resulted in two touchdowns. 95 of Schaaf's 203 yards also went toward Simon Barber. This has the potential for a slugfest.

"They're gonna come in hungry and it's gonna be a big game," Underwood said. "It's gonna be a game for the ages."

Cape Central's KeyShawn Boyd gets into the end zone for his second touchdown of the first quarter during the first half of a 35-33 win over St. Charles on Friday, August 25, at Cape Central High School. Clay Herrell ~ cherrell@semoball.com

__Cape Central vs. Hillsboro__

The Tigers have a score to settle with the Hillsboro Hawks. Despite a 5-5 all-time series record, the Tigers have lost the last three meetings.

The Tigers enter Week 2 with a powerful 1-2 punch in KeyShawn Boyd and Zai’Aire Thomas. In a 35-33 win over the St. Charles Pirates last week, Boyd rushed for 203 rushing yards with four touchdowns.

“We’re really glad he’s on our side,” Cape Central coach Kent Gibbs said. “He’s got deceptive speed to the outside but he can also bang it in there. We’re just glad he’s on our side.”

The passing game leaves much to be desired, as the Tigers are still looking to replace longtime starter Morgan Diamond. Jathan Spain took over for starting quarterback Deklin Pittman after an injury in the first quarter and has shown some flashes of potential.

“I think we put a lot on (Spain) right there,” Gibbs said. “Jathan is going to be ok. He’s a football player.”

Jackson's Kai Crowe signals for the first down during an August 25, 2023 game between the Jackson Indians and the Edwardsville Tigers at Edwardsville High School in Edwardsville, Ill. Edwardsville defeated Jackson, 30-21.Cole Lee ~ clee@semoball.com

__Jackson vs. Francis Howell__

Jackson head coach Ryan Nesbitt makes his debut at The Pit when the Indians welcome Francis Howell on Friday. The Indians played the Vikings for the first time last season but lost 41-14. The Vikings are coming off a 21 - 17 win against Ft. Zumwalt North, while Jackson lost a close road game at Edwardsville (Ill.), 30-21.

"I think that as a team, this was a good first game,” Jackson senior TJ Altenthal said. “This is a great game to start off on. Once we get all the little things, I think we can be an elite team and compete in Class 6.”

The Indians entered the season with high expectations, and will certainly need to win their first home game to avoid an 0-2 start.

Charleston DeShaun Henderson (30) stiffarms a defender during a 28-24 loss at East Prairie on Friday, August 25, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

__Chaffee at Charleston__

The first game of the week is happening on Thursday as Chaffee heads south to Charleston looking for its first win of the season. The two teams have played five times since 2012, with the Blue Jays winning each time, including 36-6 last season. Charleston is what Chaffee strives to be. After back-to-back 1-win seasons, the Blue Jays went 8-3 last year and went deep in the playoffs.

"We have a lot of young, first-year players," said Charleston coach Justin Hutchings. These guys are a serious group. Once we put in that extra work, get things rolling, and iron out a few things, I think we’re going to be a pretty good team.”

Chaffee lost 38-7 on the road at Crystal City, but actually scored first on a rushing touchdown by quarterback Carson Spies. Initiating momentum is possible for the Red Devils. Maintaining it is another challenge.

Kelly running back Reece Eftink runs past Doniphan defenders on August 25 in Benton, Missouri.Tony Capobianco ~ tcapobianco@semoball.com

__Kelly vs. Malden__

After a season-opening drubbing of Doniphan, the Kelly Hawks look to continue their winning ways, with a Week 2 home matchup against Malden. The Hawks have a five-game winning streak over the Green Wave, which has helped them with their standing in Class 2 District 1.

Kelly junior quarterback Skyler Still had as good of an opening game as one could get with three passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown against the Dons in Week 1.

"This might actually have been my best game," Still said.

Quamareous Farmer connected with Xavier Harris for Malden's lone score in a 60-6 loss to Caruthersville. The last time the Green Wave — which finished 0-9 last year — defeated Kelly was in the Class 2 State Tournament in 2017.

Perryville football players attempt to recover a fumble against Oakville on August 25 in Oakville, Missouri.Megan Burke ~ Southeast Missourian

__Perryville vs. Windsor__

Perryville started the season as poorly as possible with a 55-0 road loss at Oakville last week. Even their 2022 team, which finished 3-7, didn't give up 50 points in a single game. The good news is it goes up from here. The Pirates are home against a Windsor team that finished 4-6 last year but beat Herculaneum 7-6 last week. The Pirates hold a 5-4 advantage over the Owls in the all-time series.