St. Vincent goes for the crown

The Indians will be making their third title appearance when they plays in today's Class 1 championship game.

By Jeremy Joffray ~ Southeast Missourian

St. Vincent players and coaches alike are hoping the third time is the charm for the football program.

St. Vincent has two previous championship appearances -- both losses. Most recently, the Indians lost 12-0 to Santa Fe in the 2000 Show Me Bowl.

St. Vincent will get another chance to bring home its first state title at noon today against East Buchanan at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

The title is assured of going to a first-time winner, with East Buchanan making its first appearance in a title game. East Buchanan enters the game at 13-0, while the Indians carry a 12-1 record.

"I'm sure East Buchanan, making their first trip, wants to bring it back as much as we do," St. Vincent coach Keith Winkler said.

The Bulldogs have been rolling through the competition this season. In 13 games, East Buchanan's margin of victory has been at least 15 points in all but two. East Buchanan received a scare from Lawson in week six -- a 21-17 win -- and last week in the semifinals, where the Bulldogs actually trailed in the fourth quarter against Santa Fe before scoring twice in the final 3:30 for a 21-14 victory. In three playoff games, East Buchanan has outscored its opponents 94-21. For the season the Bulldogs hold a 483-120 scoring edge.

The Bulldogs' gaudy scoring margin has meant big numbers for its main offensive weapons. Adam Barber, East Buchanan's star running back, has rushed for 1,935 yards on 231 carries and scored 25 touchdowns.

Mark Burtson, East Buchanan's senior quarterback, has passed for 1,634 yards with 22 touchdown passes and three interceptions. Burtson's top receiver, Andrew Mead, has caught 53 passes for 1,069 yards and 17 touchdowns. Mead has also completed 12 passes for 236 yards and three touchdowns. Jacob Carver has 27 catches for 521 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Indians will look to slow down the Bulldogs' high-powered offense with one of the stingiest defenses in the state. St. Vincent has held opponents to 97 points, an average of 7.5 points a game.

"You've got to look to this as a challenge," Winkler said. "They're a good ball club. They have a lot of firepower."

St. Vincent's offense may not get as much attention as the defense, but the Indians have managed to roll up 385 points, an average of 29.6 points per game. In the playoffs, St. Vincent has outscored its opponents 63-21.

Bruising running back Waylon Richardet has led the Indians' offense as of late, ecclipsing 100 yards in each of the last two games. Richardet, the biggest of St. Vincent's backs, stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs 220 pounds.

Over the course of the season St. Vincent has been able to win games on multiple fronts. Indians place kicker Kyle Kline has shown good range, the defense continually contains teams, while the offense wears down opponents with bruising running.

"When they're on the field, they know any one play can be a big play for them," Winkler said. "They know they contribute to a win."

St. Vincent has 17 seniors playing in their final game. The Indians have made it to the state playoffs for the second straight year after losing to Hayti in district play in 2001 and 2002. Prior to that, the Indians made three straight final four appearances (1998-2000).

"They take some pride in trying to keep the tradition going," Winkler said.