Top-seeded Jackson mends from injuries

Injuries are a part of the game.

Few teams in the area know that better than Jackson's girls soccer team, which had its dominating start to the season slowed by injuries. Still, the Indians (12-2-2) remain the top seed and a favorite for their sixth straight district title when play begins Monday at Jackson in the Class 2 District 1 tournament.

Jackson will play the winner of Monday's game between Hillsboro and Poplar Bluff in one semifinal on Tuesday, and Central will play Seckman in Tuesday's other semifinal.

"We'll get a couple of girls back, and when that happens it should kind of help us get back to playing our game," junior forward Chelsea Dale said.

The Indians opened their season with seven straight shutout victories, but injuries began to mount in April. The Indians suffered their first loss at Belleville (Ill.) West on April 21 and went 0-1-1 in their next two games.

Heading into the district tournament, the Indians appear to be about as healthy as they'll get, with Lauren Drewett returning in a 5-2 win over Perryville on Wednesday and severeal other regulars expected back in time for the tournament.

"It looks like there's a little light at the end of the tunnel," Jackson coach Zack Walton said. "Some of the girls are back practicing and we're hoping we get over the injuries this week."

The Indians returned nine starters from last year, and at least five of those are in their third year starting. One of the biggest question entering the season was the transition of Lindsay Poole to starting goalie, but Poole has been steady behind a stingy defense. However, Poole has played in the field the past few weeks due to injuries, pushing freshman Morgan Riddick into duty.

Who will be in goal once the district tournament begins has yet to be determined.

"We haven't really made our decision on that," Walton said. "We like her [Poole] on the field. It will probably be game to game. Morgan's done a nice job for us. What it will basically come down to is everyone back to 100 percent."

Walton tinkered with his team heading into the season, implementing a three-forward system. Sophomore forward Bobbi Jo Schlick has been among the Indians' most dangerous strikers all season.

Jackson's strength has continued to be the play of its defense. Two seasons ago, the Indians recorded 12 shutouts and allowed just 12 goals in 20 regular season games. Last year the Indians had 10 shutouts.

This year the Indians have posted seven shutouts and allowed just nine goals. Jackson has allowed more than one goal just twice this season.

Jackson's rival, Central, has struggled offensively much of the season and enters district play with a 9-12-1 record. The Tigers did tie Jackson 1-1 late in the regular season.

Class 1 District 1 tournament wide open

The Class 1 District 1 tournament could be one of the most competitive districts throughout the state, with four teams sporting big win totals heading into the tournament at Perryville.

Notre Dame, St. Vincent, Sikeston and Perryville have the top four seeds, respectively, and all have picked up favorable results against each other this season. Notre Dame (14-2-1) has been one of the hottest teams throughout the region. The Bulldogs are unbeaten in their last 10 games (9-0-1), with their last loss against Jackson on April 2.

The forward tandem of Meridith Medlin and Destiny Dirnberger, along with midfielder Mindy Siebert, has led the Bulldogs' offense.

St. Vincent (17-6) scored big with a win over Jackson this season and has piled up one of the program's highest win totals. Neither St. Vincent or Sikeston have ever won a girls soccer district title, while Perryville (14-8) won its first last year.

"We feel we hit a little bump in the road last week, losing to Jackson, Perryville and Notre Dame," St. Vincent coach Dustin Wengert said. "Notre Dame beat us 5-1 last year, and then we upset them in the semifinals. We really feel after winning [Thursday and Friday], we're back on track."

Class 2 District 1 at Jackson

Teams -- No. 1 Jackson, No. 2 Seckman, No. 3 Central, No. 4 Hillsboro, No. 5 Poplar Bluff

Schedule -- Monday, Hillsboro vs. Poplar Bluff, 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Jackson vs. Hillsboro/Poplar Bluff winner, 5 p.m.; Seckman vs. Central, 6:45 p.m.; Friday, championship, 6 p.m.

Class 1 District 1 at Perryville

Teams -- No. 1 Notre Dame, No. 2 St. Vincent, No. 3 Sikeston, No. 4 Perryville, No. 5 Fredericktown, No. 6 Farmington, No. 7 Kennett

Schedule -- Saturday, Perryville vs. Fredericktown, 10 a.m.; Sikeston vs. Farmington, 11:45 a.m.; St. Vincent vs. Kennett, 1:30 p.m.; Monday, St. Vincent/Kennett winner vs. Sikeston/Farmington winner, 3:30 p.m.; Notre Dame vs. Perryvile/Farmington winner, 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday, championship, 4:30 p.m.