Jackson's traditional power running game has sprouted wings

This time a year ago, Jackson was giving a preview of its offensive evolution.

In the second half of Jackson's 34-7 loss to Central last October, quarterback Tyler Profilet threw the ball 20 times because of the Indians' ineffective ground game. This year Jackson took the plan a step further and went from a predominantly run-oriented offense to a team that passes 25 to 30 times in a game.

The Indians will ride the arms of two seniors when they visit Houck Stadium tonight to meet Cape Girardeau County rival Central. Jackson coach Carl Gross said the change from running to throwing has been as much out of necessity as design.

It's "what we're going to have to do to move the football," he said. "We haven't been able to run it to any degree at all."

Profilet and the rest of the offense had a slow start through the first two games, but after a sloppy loss to Rockwood Summit, the offense found life against Pattonville. Profilet threw for more than 200 yards on 16-of-36 passing during a narrow loss.

"We played really poorly," Profilet said. "We're real unfortunate not to be 3-1 or 4-0."

The Indians turned to senior backup quarterback Marc Lumsden when Profilet missed last week's game because of an illness, but the offense continued to click. Lumsden's 203 yards and three touchdown passes led Jackson to a commanding win over Fort Zumwalt West and a 2-2 record.

"I really had to prove myself in practice," Lumsden said. "In the game I just tried to do the best I could."

With Profilet cleared to play tonight, Gross will have to choose between his two senior quarterbacks.

Profilet said he thinks either quarterback has a good chance to succeed.

"Having a quarterback problem, that's a good problem to have," he said. "I don't really see this as a disadvantage. Either way they're going to have to prepare for both of us."

Whichever quarterback starts, he can count on plenty of help from the other.

"If either of us is out, we're helping each other," Lumsden said. "We're pretty good friends off the field."

Even with a strong passing game, the Indians will face a tough task against the 4-1 Tigers, ranked No. 7 in Class 4. Central's defense has intercepted nine passes this season, including five last week.

"Central's got a lot of talented defensive backs," Profilet said. "They put a lot of pressure with their front four. They're going to offer us a challenge in our passing game."

The Tigers have seen their share of passing attacks this season, with opponents looking to take advantage of an inexperienced secondary. Over the past two games, Central opponents have thrown the ball 57 times.

"People are going to try to pass on us," Central defensive coordinator Bobby Haggerty said. "But our defensive backs have played pretty well."

While the Tigers have had some lapses in their pass defense, including allowing close to 200 yards to New Madrid County Central, they have been able to tighten up when they need to.

"I tell them every day to keep 'em in front of you," Haggerty said of his defensive backs.

Central has had problems with slow starts in its first three home games, but that may not be as big of a problem today.

"It's always going to be a good game against Jackson," Haggerty said. "They're going to be ready for us. Hopefully we're ready for them."

Jackson has won seven of the last 10 meetings between the schools. The game will be a big one for the 35 seniors involved: Central's seniors will try to tie the series, and Jackson's senior class will try to go out with a winning record.

Gross said he looks for his seniors to step up.

"For a bunch of them this is their last time they play Central," he said. "The one you remember is your senior year."

jjoffray@semissourian.com

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