UNBEATEN JACKSON EXPECTS HUGE TEST FROM DYERSBURG

When the football is kicked off at 7:30 tonight in Dyersburg, Tenn., it will be as if the hosting Trojans are opening the door to a blind date.

Jackson, this is Dyersburg. Dyersburg, this is Jackson.

Until that point, neither team knows exactly what to expect.

"These games really get your adrenaline going," said Jackson coach Carl Gross. "You get those butterflies. You're not scared of them; you're scared of failure.

"I think our players are really looking forward to the challenge," said Gross, adding that the team had an excellent practice Tuesday. "Everybody is working hard to try to get things perfect."

The two teams have never played each other and have no common opponents.

Dyersburg (4-0) has established a strong reputation over the past several years, winning 27 of its last 31 games.

Last year, the Trojans advanced to the Class 4A quarterfinals and made it to the semifinals the year before that. They are ranked in the top five in their class.

"They're one of the best football teams I've seen on film in a long time," Gross said. "You can sure tell they have played one more ballgame than we have. And you can tell that they have spring football (practices.)"

Said Dyersburg coach James Counce: "This is probably one of the best teams we've lined up against this year, maybe even last year, too. We've tried to go about our business (despite homecoming distractions). We've told them how good this bunch is (Jackson) and what kind of tradition they have. And we've tried to keep them focused on having a good work week."

The two teams seem to have a lot in common.

Both have talented players at the skill positions and like to spread the ball around.

Last week, six different running backs had carries of 30-plus yards and four different receivers made catches for Dyersburg.

Dyersburg quarterback Josh Dye, a 5-foot-8, 150-pound sophomore who is filling in nicely after the Trojans' starting quarterback went down with an injury in the second game. Dye completed five of 16 passes for 114 yards and ran for three touchdowns last week.

Dyersburg's main receiver is Victory Driver, a 6-1, 185 pound senior, but Dye has another big target in 6-4, 195-pound senior Thomas Harris.

"They throw the ball real well," said Gross. "They keep you in the box with the option and they throw the ball out there to their receiver and say `tackle me if you can.' Then, if you play tight on them, they'll run right past you."

The Trojans are deep at the running back position, as any one of five backs could break a long one. But their top threat is a sophomore, Shaun Harris (5-7, 160), who ran for 97 yards on 13 carries a week ago. Dyersburg's fullback, 5-8, 180-pound David Campbell was a state weightlifting champ in his class and ran for 77 yards on eight carries last week.

Gross said the outcome could come down to which team responds to hardship.

"There's a lot of similarities between the two teams and I don't think either team will do things to beat themselves," Gross said. "When good football teams play, there will be some adversity and the one that handles it the best will win."

Jackson is coming off an impressive 30-13 win over Perryville, a game where a slew of players had a huge impact offensively.

Chris Freeman ran for 106 yards on 14 carries. The Indians had four running backs in all with at least 32 yards. Tory Meyr, Jackson's top receiver, had 69 yards receiving and Mario Whitney ran back a kickoff return for the second straight week.

"They have a good receiver, a strong fullback who blocks well and two tailbacks who run well," said Counce. "Defensively, they have good size and good linebackers. Their secondary runs pretty well. On special teams, they kick it good, cover it good and they are well coached."

Jackson, however, will not be at full strength tonight.

Starting fullback Jason Schuller, who was impressive last week with 66 yards on 12 carries, is questionable with a sprained arch in his foot.

Starting quarterback Chris Stockton and starting offensive and defensive lineman Caleb Daniel were sick earlier in the week but will play tonight.