Today's area high school football games

Central (7-2) at Poplar Bluff (8-0)

Last week: Central 42, Perryville 0; Poplar Bluff 42, Sikeston 3

Last year: Central 47, Poplar Bluff 7

Notes: Central has come on at just the right time and will play for its fourth straight district title. The Tigers' running game has had consecutive strong games after stalling during the middle of the season. Brandon Twiggs leads the Tigers in rushing yards with 447 for an average of six yards a carry. On the other side, the Mules are the last undefeated team in Southeast Missouri and have excelled on the ground and in the air. Central's defensive backs will have their hands full with Poplar Bluff's top receiver Andrew Heuiser. Heuiser put up career numbers against Jackson a couple of weeks ago with 12 catches and over 200 yards. For the season, Heuiser has pulled down 37 catches for 798 yards. With 97 yards against Sikeston the Mules' top runner, Todd Tinsley, passed the 1,000-yard mark. Valle (5-4) at St. Vincent (6-3)

Last week: St. Vincent 42, Chaffee 0; Hayti 12, Valle 0

Last year: St. Vincent 20, Valle 0

Notes: After missing the state playoffs the past two seasons, St. Vincent is looking for a return with a win. The Indians finished as state runner-up in 1998 and 2000. Valle will have a tough time scoring on St. Vincent's stingy defense. The Indians have not allowed more than 17 points all season. St. Vincent's running game, led by brothers Chris and Kyle Kline, has been the mainstay for the offense. The Indians can also air it out with Chad Lane at quarterback. Chaffee (0-9) at Hayti (6-2)

Last week: St. Vincent 42, Chaffee 0; Hayti 12, Valle 0

Last year: Hayti 43, Chaffee 13

Notes: Chaffee is in danger of its first winless season since 1996. With the exeption of their season opener, the Red Devils have allowed 40 points or more in every game. Nick Powderly, one of only two Chaffee seniors, leads the team in receptions and is Chaffee's main offensive weapon. Chaffee quarterback Jeff Daugherty has averaged close to 100 yards a game this season. After struggling on offense the past two games, Hayti will look to take its frustrations out on Chaffee's defense.Perryville (3-6) at Sikeston (3-5)

Last week: Central 42, Perryville 0; Poplar Bluff 42, Sikeston 3

Last year: Sikeston 33, Perryville 6

Notes: Perryville will look for its first district win since 1999 against the struggling Bulldogs. The Pirates have already beaten last year's win total under new head coach Rick Chastain. Perryville will look to get running back Matt Unterreiner going against a struggling Sikeston run defense. Sikeston's defense has fallen on hard times since entering district play. The Bulldogs have allowed 86 points in their two district games. Perryville has not fared much better, allowing 77 points in its two district games. The Pirates defensive backs will have to be prepared for Sikeston's passing game led by quarterback Stephen Miller.

-- Jeremy Joffray