Red Devils try to end rival Rams' dominance

~ Scott City football has not lost to Chaffee in 20 years.

While this year's rivalry game between Scott City and Chaffee promises the typical raucous crowd and intense play, there is a different feel surrounding the matchup.

For the first time in 10 years, the Red Devils hold a superior record heading into the SEMO Southern Division contest, which kicks off at 7 p.m. tonight at Scott City.

"It's a big rivalry, and for once we're the underdogs," Scott City coach Terry Flannigan said. "They're 2-2 and on the upswing. They've improved a whole bunch more than we have, and they are playing a lot more consistently than we are."

Chaffee, which ended a 34-game losing streak in its season opener, is coming off a 25-3 win at Rector, Ark. The Red Devils have not won more than two games since 2000.

Senior quarterback Michael Lee led Chaffee's offense in the win last week, throwing for 110 yards and two touchdowns.

"I think our kids believe they can win," Chaffee coach Charlie Vickery said. "Getting a few wins under our belts makes a big difference confidence-wise and with their attitude.

"It makes everything better. It makes practices better, the attitude is better. It makes them hungrier to keep the momentum going and to keep winning ballgames."

The Red Devils have been competitive in all but one game, a 43-13 loss to a Crystal City team that is state-ranked in Class 2. Chaffee has outscored its opponents 88-87 this season, a far cry from last year when the Red Devils managed 88 points for the season.

"I just think we're playing with a lot more confidence everywhere," Vickery said. "The tackling is better, and we're playing more aggressively. I just think that comes with confidence."

On the other side, Scott City is 1-3 heading into Week 5 for the second consecutive season.

A problem area for the Rams has been controlling the line of scrimmage. In their three losses, the Rams have allowed more than 200 yards on the ground and at least one 100-yard rusher.

Offensively, the Rams have had some success on the ground. Chris Blankenship has rushed for 345 yards and is one of the area's top scorers with six touchdowns. Ethan Watkins has added 449 yards passing.

"Any conference win we can get we're going to take, whether it's a one-point win or a 20-point win as long as it's a 'W,'" Flannigan said. "Because it's a conference game and with the rivalry, it would be a great win if we can get it."

Added Flannigan: "We need to win bad to gain some confidence and get back closer to .500. If we lose it will be a hard climb, so we definitely need it."

Despite several close scores in recent years -- Scott City won just 14-0 over Chaffee last year -- the Rams have owned the rivalry. Scott City has won the past 20 meetings.

"You kind of lose the word rivalry, because in a rivalry the other team tends to win one every once in a while," Vickery said.

But in a season when Chaffee has already ended one long losing streak, Scott City's reign in the rivalry may be in jeopardy.

"I know they're going to come out swinging," Flannigan said. "I know down deep inside they know they have a chance against us. It's not like it's been in the past. If we don't come out to play, they'll send us back to the locker room in a bad mood."