THE LATEST LINE: JACKSON VS. SUMNER WAS QUITE A SHOW

Since my primary duties during the football season are to follow Southeast Missouri State University's Indians, I don't get to cover nearly as many high school games as I used to.

But I'm sure glad I was in Jackson Friday night, as all of the fans who packed the Indians' stadium must have been.

I'm certain I have watched more thrilling games over the years, but I can't really think of any right off the top of my head.

The battle Jackson and Sumner waged was truly a classic, even though it's only the second week of the season. In a back-and-forth struggle that wasn't decided until Jackson got a key first down late to run out the clock, the Indians prevailed 31-30.

It was certainly a game that epitomized what high school football is supposed to be all about. Both squads left everything they had on the field. The hitting was fierce yet extremely clean, as might be expected from two classy programs who have had considerable success over the years.

Here's hoping I get to cover more games this season that are as great as this one was, but what I witnessed Friday night will definitely be hard to top.

* Even though they lost a host of key players from last year -- including standout quarterback Corby Jones and star tailback Devin West -- the 1999 football season still holds plenty of promise for Missouri's Tigers.

Sure, MU isn't highly regarded nationally this season, but the Tigers still appear to have the talent for another successful record and bowl appearance.

The Tigers weren't overly impressive in last weekend's season-opening 31-28 win over Alabama-Birmingham and they should make it 2-0 next weekend when Western Michigan visits.

MU fans will get a better indication of where the Tigers stand when Nebraska comes to Columbia Sept. 25. Columbia should really be rocking that day.

* What to expect from the St. Louis Rams this season?

Your guess is as good as mine.

I really thought, with the way quarterback Trent Green looked during the preseason, that the previously bumbling franchise might actually be on the verge of a major move up.

But then Green suffered a season-ending knee injury.

And now the jury is once again totally out on the Rams, who should learn a lot more today when St. Louis hosts Baltimore. If the Rams lose this one, it could be another long season in St. Louis.

* Best wishes to Tom Schuberth as he takes over as head basketball coach at Christian Brothers University in Memphis.

Schuberth will definitely be missed as Gary Garner's top assistant on the SEMO coaching staff.

And I'll personally miss `Schu' because he's a heck of nice guy and someone I became pretty good friends with during his two years in Cape.

* Congratulations to St. Vincent High product Scott Pingel for breaking the legendary Jerry Rice's all-time NCAA career reception record.

I've never met Pingel but, by all accounts, he is as fine a young man as he is a football player.

~Marty Mishow is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian