Fifty-two stolen bases in 53 attempts.

That is what Jackson senior Derrick Biri has accomplished over the past two seasons.

With Biri setting the table at the top of the lineup for the Indians, Jackson (19-3) is on a roll heading into today's Class 4 sectional game against Eureka (18-6). The Indians -- making their first sectional appearance since 2002 -- will host Eureka in a 5 p.m. start.

"My job is to get on, steal some bases and get in scoring position for the middle of our lineup," Biri said. "Let our [Nos.] 2, 3 and 4 hitters do their job and drive me in."

While Biri's batting average is down a bit this season at around .318, his stolen base production is up. Biri has 30 steals this season in 31 attempts after going 22-for-22 last year.

"That was kind of disappointing, but it happens," Biri said of being thrown out. "I figured I'd get thrown out at least once. Last year I had 22, so this year I set my goal to get 10 more. Right now I'm two short, so hopefully I can get those."

If Biri is able to get his two steals today, that will be a good sign for the Indians, giving their big hitters a runner in scoring position.

"It's good to have yourself a guy, when he gets on, can steal second and you don't have to waste an out on a sacrifice," Jackson coach Rex Crosnoe said.

The Indians are fortunate to have two leadoff-type hitters in their lineup. Rex Meyr has shown the ability to get on base at the bottom of the order. Hitting out of the No. 9 spot, Meyr leads the team in hitting at .439.

"With Rex and Derrick hitting from the No. 9 and leadoff hole, those guys get on and steal bases and get in scoring position for the middle of our lineup," senior Brandon Gendron said. "That's a big aspect of our game."

Added Crosnoe: "That's the reason you see guys at the top of the lineup having the RBIs they have."

Jackson's aggressive approach on the basepaths is indicative of the way the team plays as a whole. The Indians' pitchers -- led by seniors Tyler Beussink and Jason Meystedt -- go right at hitters, trying to make them put the ball in play in front of a solid fielding group.

"We know our pitchers are going to throw strikes, the defense has to make plays," catcher Zach Brazer said.

Meystedt, a left-handed hurler, will make the start for the Indians against Eureka. In the district semifinal, Meystedt struck out eight in a complete-game win against Fox. For the season, Meystedt sports an ERA just over 2.00 in over 50 innings of work.

Beussink, a right-hander, is 8-0 on the mound with an ERA right around 1.00.

Crosnoe said he hopes starting a lefty will make Eureka's hitters uncomfortable at the plate.

"With Tyler and Jason, that's a good problem to have," he said. "You feel confident with either one going out there."

Featuring a roster with eight seniors, the Indians know this is their chance to go out with a bang. Jackson has never made it to a state final four in baseball, and has only a 2-6 record in the state playoffs.

"From the very beginning of the year, our hopes were high," Gendron said. "We knew we fell short last year, and that's been our driving force."

Added Brazer: "We've got a lot of expectations at the beginning of the season, and we set out to fulfill them. Ever since we lost district last year, we wanted to win district and keep on going."

Now that the veteran group has succeeded in attaining its first goal of winning a district title, the bar has been raised.

"We've focused this week about not being satisfied with that [district championship]," Crosnoe said. "We have a great opportunity to advance.

"You get to this stage, you have to play real well and get some breaks go your way. We're going to have to make sure we play well and force the issue so luck does go our way."