HIGH SCHOOL: DISTRICT FOOTBALL DEBUTS TONIGHT THROUGHOUT AREA

The Class 3A, District 1 appears to be the deepest district in Southeast Missouri this year. Though fifth-ranked New Madrid County Central is the heavy favorite to win the district, Fredericktown (5-2) opens up with an interesting matchup with Kennett (5-1).

The Black Cats beat the Indians last year 27-7, but Kennett has a weapon it didn't have last year speedy sophomore Tyree Goolsby.

Still, Fredericktown is riding high and is on pace to have its best season in a number of years.

The Black Cats are coming off a 28-8 drubbing of Park Hills, while Kennett hopes a week off won't slow down its momentum after stunning Malden 42-6 on Oct. 6.

Chaffee at St. Vincent

The Red Devils are in a tough spot, having to take on the second-ranked team in 1A in the first round of districts and then having to battle No. 9 Hayti next week.

St. Vincent boasts a 7-0 record against mostly a 2A and 3A schedule.

Chaffee brings in a 3-3 record into the contest and will have to play its best game of the year if it hopes to pull off the upset.

"I'm impressed with their running game with G.P. Glueck," said St. Vincent coach Keith Winkler. "Their fullback gets up in there and blocks well, too. And I thought their quarterback threw real well to their receivers. They're capable of big plays. On defense, they really swarm to the ball and put some licks on people.

"I think we're about as ready as we can be. We're healthy, but we've had some mental mistakes the last couple of weeks and we know we'll have to eliminate those. You cannot shoot yourself in the foot at this time in the season. We're not putting the ball on the ground and we're not giving up the big play on defense. But as far as the penalties, we're putting ourselves in some tough situations."

Grandview at Scott City

The Rams have lost two straight games for the first time in four years, but look for Scott City to get back on track this week.

Grandview is 2-5 with wins over Aquinas Mercy and Maplewood.

Chaffee played Grandview in its season opener and beat the Eagles 40-14. Scott City beat Chaffee 36-21.

Farmington at Perryville

Though the Pirates are a long shot to win the Class 4A, District 1 title, Perryville could do Cape Central and Sikeston a huge favor if it could pull off the upset at home.

Farmington (6-1) is ranked eighth in Class 4A with its only loss a 34-0 lambasting at the hands of New Madrid County Central.

Perryville (1-6) is coming off its first win of the year, a 17-14 win over Windsor.

Crystal City at Charleston

Charleston is a bit down from years past and Crystal City is a bit up.

That should make for an interesting game tonight when the Hornets and Bluejays hook up in Class 2A, District 1.

Crystal City comes in with a 3-4 record, while the Bluejays are 1-6, coming off their first win of the season, a 24-0 win over East Prairie.

Francis Howell at Poplar Bluff

Jackson and Vianney will get a good gauge as to how good Francis Howell is by the way they play Poplar Bluff.

Francis Howell is 3-4, but has a rich tradition.

Poplar Bluff is 4-3, but that is deceiving because in two of the Mules' losses they've been outscored by a total of four points. Their other loss came to state-ranked Columbia Hickman, a game which Poplar Bluff led at halftime.