Today's area football games 10/24/03

Jackson (3-3) at Parkway Central (1-6)

Last week: Poplar Bluff 28, Jackson 13; Lafayette 38, Parkway Central 20

Last year: Parkway Central 34, Jackson 27

Notes: Jackson's passing offense will have to rebound after an off game against undefeated Poplar Bluff. Tyler Profilet replaced starter Marc Lumsden in the fourth quarter after Lumsden completed 5-of-12 passes with a costly interception in the third quarter. Profilet led the Indians to a late scoring drive and ended up 6-of-9 for 68 yards and a touchdown. Jason Meystedt had another strong game on the ground with 71 yards, although Jackson still has not had a 100-yard rusher this season. Brad Crader emerged as a strong option at tight end for Jackson with a big game against Poplar Bluff. Crader had four catches for 70 yards and gives the Indians another big tight end along with Tyler McNeely. Parkway Central has struggled this season but brings a strong rushing game to the table. Robert Cross leads Parkway Central's running attack with 462 yards. Behind Cross are Shawn Scott (305 yards), Darrion Cockrell (291 yards) and Farrel Rooks (106 yards). Chris Statter leads Parkway Central's passing attack with 456 yards. Andrew Collier is Parkway's top receiver with 11 catches for 153 yards. Scott City (2-5) at Grandview (1-6)

Last week: Hayti 47, Scott City 0; Valle 34, Grandview 0

Last year: Scott City 12, Grandview 8

Notes: Scott City's running game, led by junior Matt Schaefer, will have to get its footing back after a negative-yardage game. The Rams have lost two straight after routing Chaffee but will have a strong chance to rebound against a weak Grandview defense. Luke McClellan had another 100-yard passing game against Hayti, but overall the Rams offense was virtually nonexistent against the Indians. Schaefer had averaged over 100 yards a game rushing prior to Hayti. Grandview has lost six straight. Scott City's run defense will be tested again against a run-first Grandview team. Jacob Laubenthal (457 yards) and Brandon Lawson (346 yards) lead the running attack. Grandview's top quarterback, Jesse Richard, had only four completions through six games. Chaffee (0-7) at Valle (4-3)

Last week: Malden 50, Chaffee 0; Valle 34, Grandview 0

Last year: Valle 42, Chaffee 15

Notes: Chaffee's winless streak is at 11 with little hope in sight with a tough district schedule ahead. The Red Devils have allowed 40 or more points in their last six losses. Valle has lost two of three games heading into district play but is coming off a big win over a team that beat Chaffee to open the season. Chaffee managed little offense last week in a battle of winless teams. Chaffee has not managed a district win since 1998 and is 1-17 all-time against Valle.St. Vincent (4-3) at Hayti (5-1)

Last week: St. Vincent 23, Crystal City 13; Hayti 47, Scott City 0

Last year: Hayti 7, St. Vincent 6

Notes: St. Vincent's stingy defense will once again be tested when Hayti's high-scoring offense takes the field. Torey Nelson had his best game of the season against Scott City last week with 260 yards rushing on only seven carries. Nelson's speed will give St. Vincent's defensive backs problems if he gets into the secondary. St. Vincent's secondary will also have the tall task of covering one of Southeast Missouri's biggest playmakers. Hayti receiver William Moore has 10 receptions this season for 380 yards and six touchdowns. Hayti quarterback Josh White averages over 23 yards a completion and has completed nearly a third of his passes for touchdowns. St. Vincent is led by quarterback Chad Lane and the running combination of Kyle and Chris Kline. Lane had a big game recently against Caruthersville, throwing for 272 yards.Saturday

Poplar Bluff (6-0) at Perryville (3-4)

Last week: Perryville 27, De Soto 26; Poplar Bluff 28, Jackson 13

Last year: Poplar Bluff 42, Perryville 14

Notes: Poplar Bluff's high-powered offense will present Perryville's thin defense with problems. The Mules bring a high-powered back to the table in Todd Tinsley but also can throw with the best of them. Mark Gum is having a big year at quarterback for the Mules. Gum's top receiver Mark Heuiser is coming off a school-record game in which he caught 13 passes for 225 yards. The Pirates have been strong offensively after having little to no offense last season. Matt Unterreiner is Perryville's top offensive threat with 454 yards rushing and nine touchdowns his last three games. Corey Buerck has been consistent for the Pirates at quarterback and can provide big yards when needed.

-- Jeremy Joffray