SOCCER TEAM KICKS IT AROUND IN PRACTICE

Senior outside fullback Zane McClard moves the ball down field as senior mid-fielder Brandon Blattel moves in to intercept.

Senior mid-fielder James Skaggs and senior outside fullback Eric Rhodes race for the ball at practice. Jackson opens their season on Tuesday at home against Cape Central.

The Jackson Indians soccer team is loaded with seniors who are ready to claim a district title. And coach Bonnie Knowlan has the experienced team in place to pull off such a feat.

Leading the way for Jackson are 10 returning seniors. Jeremy Balsman, goalie, Garret Knowlan, fullback, Chris Schuette, stopper, Eric Rhodes, outside fullback, Zane McClard, outside fullback, Brandon Blattel, mid-fielder, James Skaggs, mid-fielder, David Diebold, mid-fielder/fullback, Frank Miller, reserve fullback, and Robby Hrabik, mid-fielder (currently injured) will lead the Indians in the 97 campaign.

Other starters will be juniors Nathan Windeknecht, striker, Spencer Knowlan, striker and sophomore Ben Turner, mid-fielder. Paul Johns, junior, will back up Balsman at goalie and also spend time on the field.

Knowlan expects stiff district competition from Cape Central and Poplar Bluff.

"We want the district championship," Knowlan said.