Week 8 prep football capsules 10/19/07

Last week: Jackson 35, Poplar Bluff 21; Eureka 22, Parkway Central 20.

Last year's meeting: Eureka 30, Jackson 22.

Notes: When Jackson played Eureka last year, the Indians were leading 14-13 at halftime. Jackson coach Carl Gross said his team then had some mental mistakes in the second half, including some botched exchanges between his quarterback and center in addition to some fumbles. He also said the Wildcats broke a long offensive play, which he said his team needs to prevent this year. He said his offense will need to mix both the pass and run effectively to win. Adam Zweigart leads the Indians with 1,022 yards rushing on 108 carries. Quarterback Marcus Harris has completed 32 of his 68 passes for 407 yards. He has seven touchdown passes but has also thrown five interceptions -- two of which came last week.

Central (1-6) at Poplar Bluff (3-4)

Last week: Fort Zumwalt North 45, Central 19; Jackson 35, Poplar Bluff 21.

Last year's meeting: Central 23, Poplar Bluff 20.

Notes: Poplar Bluff put up a tough battle against Jackson last week, but in the end lost by 14 points. The Mules appeared stronger as the game progressed, holding Jackson scoreless in the second half. Poplar Bluff has two major threats rushing the ball: Zach Ferguson and Aaron Ellis, who both dashed for touchdowns of 50 yards or longer against the Indians and helped the Mules become the first team to score three touchdowns against Jackson. Central has had a difficult time stopping the run all year, and with its top linebacker Tyler McNabb unavailable, it will likely be even more difficult for the Tigers to prevent the big play. Cantrell Andrews leads the Tigers with 63 carries for 426 yards rushing and Derek Walker has 45 carries for 319 yards rushing. Central quarterback Chase Johnson has completed 74 of his 131 pass attempts for 779 yards.

St. Vincent (3-4) at Chaffee (4-3)

Last week: Malden 14, Chaffee 8; St. Vincent 49, Grandview 12.

Last year's meeting: St. Vincent 35, Chaffee 3.

Notes: Chaffee will look to rebound against St. Vincent tonight after losing to Malden last week to end its three game winning streak. Red Devils coach Charlie Vickery said his team is healthier this week than last. Walker Rice, a Red Devils two-way lineman, is back after not playing last week. Running back and linebacker Dylan McAlister also practiced this week after being taken out in the first quarter last Friday. But the St. Vincent Indians also have a healthier team, which includes a rejuvenated offense. Running back Eli Hoeckele returned to the starting lineup last week for the first time since Week 4. And he did well, rushing for 162 yards on 19 carries while scoring four touchdowns. Also, Darin Yamnitz, who took over the quarterback position in Week 6, has five touchdown passes over his first two games at the position. Chaffee likely will run the football as usual. The Red Devils have three rushers with more than 300 yards -- Jerrod Steger (385), Dylan McAlister (311) and quarterback Andrew Hendrix (304). Hendrix has also completed 33 of his 88 passes for 489 yards.

Perryville (3-4) at Dexter (4-3)

Last Week: Herculaneum 12, Perryville 0; Dexter 49, Caruthersville 6.

Last year's meeting: Dexter 31, Perryville 0.

Notes: Perryville will enter district play with little momentum. The Pirates have lost four straight games after starting the season 3-0. Perryville was shut out last week against a 2-5 Herculaneum team that has given up an average of almost 27 points per game. Perryville will need to do what it does best to have any chance of regrouping -- running the football. Kris Cottner dropped from second to third this week on Southeast Missouri's leading rusher list. He has 818 yards rushing on 145 carries. Quarterback Josh Perreault has 68 carries for 382 yards. Perreault has also completed 46 of his 97 passes for 460 yards. Dexter's Nick Hessling will be tough to stop for the Pirates. He has carried the ball 135 times for 763 yards.

Grandview (0-7) at Scott City (4-3)

Last week: Hayti 43, Scott City 7; St. Vincent 49, Grandview 12.

Last year's meeting: Scott City 57, Grandview 6.

Notes: Scott City should have an easy first week in district play, dueling a winless Grandview team. Cody Carlyle leads the Rams with 107 carries for 544 yards rushing. Chris Blankenship has also had a nice season so far with 47 carries for 373 yards rushing. Rams quarterback Caleb Estes has completed 30 of his 71 passes for 491 yards.