Today's area football game

Sikeston (3-3) at Central (5-2)

Last week: Central 17, Sumner 14; Sikeston idle

Last season: Central 30, Sikeston 13

Notes: Central begins its district schedule looking to capture its fourth straight title. Its running game has been held to 51 yards the past two games, and in Central's win Saturday the Tigers ran the ball only 14 times. Mitch Craft has put up back-to-back 200 yards passing games to help the Tigers salvage a win. Sikeston has struggled on defense its past two games after holding opponents to nine points a game the first four weeks. The Bulldogs are coming off an idle week after a second-half meltdown resulted in a 35-25 loss to New Madrid County Central. NMCC's Remond Willis rushed for 198 yards in the second half and finished with 40 carries. Apollo Patterson has emerged as Sikeston's top rusher. All-state linebacker Jacob Priday is coming off a 100-yard game. Quarterback Stephen Miller has overcome a slow start.

-- Jeremy Joffray