Tonight's area football games

Farmington (4-1) at Jackson (2-3)

Last week: Hazelwood Central 35, Jackson 7; Farmington 45, Summit 28.

Last year: Jackson and Farmington did not play last year.

Outlook: Jackson coach Van Hitt said Farmington uses a deceptive spread offense. Farmington employs a no-huddle and is fast getting back to the line. The Knights average 31.2 points per game despite being shutout in Week 3 against Helias. Jackson running back/linebacker Cole Rodgers did not play against Hazelwood Central last week, but he returns this week. Adam Zweigart leads the Indians in rushing, but the senior running back will not play due to a one-game suspension.

Poplar Bluff (3-2) at Central (0-5)

Last week: Poplar Bluff 28, North County 7; Sikeston 48, Central 17.

Last year's meeting: Poplar Bluff 35, Central 0.

Outlook: Rich Payne said his team must be aware of the run against the Mules, who use basic run formations, such as the I-formation. The Central defense has allowed 46.2 points per game, while the Mules have averaged 25.4 points on offense. Payne said his team must gangle tackle better and the offense must cut down on turnovers. Central's Zach Boerboom, Ray Woldtvedt and Dante Sales and Keilon Moore will play after missing last week with injuries.

East Prairie (2-3) at Chaffee (3-2)

Last week: Chaffee 28, Scott City 6; Fredericktown 40, East Prairie 32.

Last year's meeting: Chaffee 28, East Prairie 14.

Outlook: Chaffee is coming off a 22-point win over its primary rival. Chaffee coach Charlie Vickery said M.C. Williams is possibly the best running back his team will face this season. Williams has rushed for 1,038 yards. East Prairie has another threat at running back in Jordan Jarrett, who has rushed for 195 yards over the last two weeks and 273 overall. Vickery said his defense must make sure tackles or run the risk of Williams and Jarrett breaking loose for big runs. Vickery said his pass-oriented offense may throw more than usual, but that it can not abandon the run. The Eagles average 31.4 points on offense, but the defense surrenders 22.8 points per game. East Prairie has scored 32 or more points in two of its losses.

Perryville (1-4) at Fredericktown (5-0)

Last week: Perryville 24, Potosi 14; Fredericktown 40, East Prairie 32.

Last year's meeting: Fredericktown 35, Perryville 0.

Outlook: Fredericktown has beaten area teams Scott City by 19 points and Sikeston by 13. Fredericktown has averaged 31 points per game through the first five weeks. The only game the Black Cats did not reach their average was in a 7-6 win over Herculaneum in Week 3. The Perryville defense is giving up 25.8 points per game. Since holding Pacific to two points in Week 1, the Pirates have given up more than 23 points in every game — all losses.

Crystal City (1-4) at St. Vincent (2-3)

Last week: St. Vincent 38, St. Pius (Festus) 9; Valle Catholic 42, Crystal City 0.

Last year's meeting: Crystal City 39, St. Vincent 20.

Outlook: Crystal City won last year's meeting by 19 points, but the Hornets are a much different team this year. After posting a 10-2 record in 2007, and making the state playoffs, Crystal City has struggled to a 1-4 mark. It has been outscored 180-49 through its first five games. Crystal City's lone win was a 35-21 victory over Chaffee, a team that is in the same district with St. Vincent. The Indians turned on their offense last week against St. Pius (Festus) at home, scoring 38 points. The Indians hd scored just 29 points combined in their previous four games.

— Chris Smith