High School Football What 2 Watch 4: Schedule ramps up

There are several intriguing football match-ups in Week Two, as several teams ramp up the toughness in their schedules tonight.

Here is a look at “What 2 Watch 4” throughout the Semoball-coverage area.

Big Tigers need to be that

As impressed as Cape Girardeau Central coach Kent Gibbs was with his defensive front in Week One, that is how concerned he was with the play of the Tiger offensive line.

You better watch out

The Kennett defense, which forced 36 turnovers last season, continued to pressure its opponent in a 49-0 victory at Fredericktown in Week 1. Kennett forced three turnovers and blocked two punts. Seth Tice highlighted the defensive shutout with an interception return of about 60 yards for a touchdown.

Multiple threats

Four Kennett players combined for five rushing touchdowns in a Week 1 onslaught of Fredericktown.

Senior running back Marsayv’aun Harrell remained the top ground threat with six carries for 68 yards, including a pair of rushing touchdowns.

But other Indians are threats to score on the ground as well.

St. Vincent balance

It's been five years since the Indians have beaten Scott City and some of those losses have been lopsided.

The Ram defense is talented and experienced, so it won't be easy for St. Vincent to muster any offensive success tonight, but if it does, it will because the Indians can mix a balance of run and deep passing.

If the Indians can sustain drives, physically wearing out Scott City gives them a puncher's chance. But that is a BIG if.

In search of offense

Dexter hopes to find its offensive groove Friday night at Salem. The Bearcats finished with only 19 yards of total offense — 13 rushing and 6 passing — in its 49-7 loss to Ste. Genevieve last week. They scored their lone touchdown on when they blocked a Ste. Genevieve punt and recovered it at the Ste. Genevieve 9. Dexter scored a touchdown three plays later for a brief 7-0 lead.

Caruthersville’s duo

Caruthersville quarterback Devin Russell scored five touchdowns and Caruthersville running back JaMarion Rodgers ran for three touchdowns in a 50-12 victory against Miller Career Academy in Week 1. Russell completed 10-of-13 passes for 158 yards and had nine carries for 64 yards. Rodgers had 13 carries for 104 yards.

Chaffee challenge

A year ago, Chaffee was sitting in the same ideal situation as it is now. The Red Devils were coming off an impressive season-opening win over Crystal City, but then got blanked by Cabool (20-0) in Week Two.

If Chaffee is going to get to 2-0 this year, the Red Devil offensive line will have to play very well for the second consecutive week and sustain drives on their part and keep the Cabool offense off the field.

The unit has to develop chemistry and ability quickly because the schedule only gets more challenging from here on out. Tonight's game will be a good opportunity to take the next step in those players' development.

Healing Hayti

Hayti standout rusher Adrian Stevenson had six carries for 51 yards and one rushing touchdown before suffering a leg injury in the second quarter against Thayer in Week 1. Stevenson did not return as Hayti fell to Thayer 30-12 in a battle of state-ranked Class 1 teams. Stevenson’s status is highly questionable for Week 2 at Charleston.

Wave’s Wade

Malden junior receiver Coy Wade is a breakout threat. Wade had a touchdown reception and returned a kickoff for a touchdown in Malden’s 65-18 loss to New Madrid County Central Week 1.

Indians get defensive

Jackson rolled Parkway North a year ago (35-0) just as it did Webster Groves in its opener last year and this year. However, Webster Groves did have offensive success against the Indian defense, it just couldn't get into the end zone.

The Jackson defensive front will have to create pressure tonight, while the secondary doesn't get caught being a step behind. Details worked on now will help later when the games get tough.