EXPLOSION BURIES JACKSON; SUMNER SCORES 38 STRAIGHT POINTS IN 38-26 WIN

ST. LOUIS -- Sumner exploded for 32 points in less than eight minutes to begin the second half Friday night and the Bulldogs sent Jackson High's football team to its second straight loss.

The Bulldogs' third-quarter eruption wiped out a 14-6 halftime deficit and led to a wild 38-26 victory. Sumner evened its record at 1-1 while the visiting Indians fell to 0-2.

Jackson dominated most of the first half, allowing Sumner only 88 yards and just two first downs -- both coming in the final minutes of the half.

The Indians grabbed a 14-0 first-quarter lead, on 1-yard runs by Todd Wessel and Ryan Propst, who scored on the final play of the opening period. Wessel added the two-point conversion on the second touchdown after the kick following the first TD had failed.

Sumner could get nothing going offensively in the opening quarter, but the Bulldogs were able to score to start the second period on a 93-yard kickoff return by Farron Summerville.

The Bulldogs finally put together it's only real drive of the first half toward the end, reaching Jackson's 6-yard line. But the Indians' defense held, allowing Jackson to carry a 14-6 lead into the intermission.

Jackson finished the first half with 182 yards, including 79 yards passing as quarterback Chris Freeman completed all four of his attempts.

But the game turned in Sumner's favor right off the bat in the second half. Jackson fumbled the opening kickoff, the Bulldogs recovering at the 7-yard line. Tryone Griffin scored on the next play and his two-point run tied the contest at 14-14 just 15 seconds into the third period.

On Jackson's next possession, the Indians fumbled and Sumner recovered at the 1-yard line. Griffin scored on the next play and ran for the conversion, making it 22-14 just 1:43 into the quarter.

Jackson failed to move and was forced to punt, and on Sumner's first offensive play, Raymond Houston rambled 69 yards to the end zone. Griffin again ran for the conversion, putting the Bulldogs ahead 30-14 with only 3:41 elapsed in the quarter.

Sumner concluded its onslaught a few minutes later. After another Jackson punt, Houston romped 36 yards for a touchdown and Griffin ran for his fourth straight conversion, making it 38-14 with 4:35 left in the period.

To the Indians' credit, they did not fold and were able to make things interesting by scoring the next two touchdowns.

After a big kickoff return by Tory Meyr, Freeman hit Andy Callis with a 15-yard TD pass late in the third quarter, making it 38-20.

Then with 9:28 left in the final period, Wessel scored on a 3-yard run to pull the Indians within 38-26.

Jackson then threatened to pull even closer, but a drive that reached inside Sumner's 30 ended on downs with under four minutes remaining. The Bulldogs then went on a march that reached Jackson's 1-yard line as time ran out.

For the second straight week, Wessel had a big night, rushing for more than 170 yards, giving him better than 350 yards in two games.

The Indians will return to action next Friday night, hosting Perryville.

Friday's Results

Cape Central 35, New Madrid 20

Sumner 38, Jackson 26

Scott City 44, Portageville 12

Gosnell, Ark. 49, Chaffee 7

Ste. Genevieve 27, Perryville 7

St. Vincent 22, Fredericktown 0

Sikeston 35, Charleston 12

Blytheville, Ark. 42, Poplar Bluff 7

Kennett 35, Caruthersville 6

Paragould, Ark. 28, Dexter 18

Piggott, Ark. 46, East Prairie 6

Benton 46, Anna-Jonesboro 14

Massac County 47, Cairo 0