From 1980 through 1986, Chaffee won its annual meeting with neighboring Scott City.

The law of averages has caught up.

Scott City has not lost to Chaffee since 1987 and is a huge favorite to beat the Red Devils in its Homecoming game tonight. Kickoff is at 7.

"People were starting to wonder when they were going to get us after we won seven in a row," Chaffee coach Brian Horrell said. "It used to be an intense rivalry, but in the last few years, I think Scott City has taken on bigger challenges.

"It's still a good game. A lot of the kids are friends, but they set friendships aside on game night."

The Rams are 3-1 and ranked in the top 10 in the state in Class 2A. Last week, they lost to Perryville 13-12 on a field goal in the closing seconds of the game.

"For us, it's kind of a must win situation to get us on track," Scott City coach Terry Flannigan said. "Chaffee has played a tough schedule. They've played well at times, but they've just shot themselves in the foot."

Chaffee is 0-4 after a 20-0 loss to Portageville last week. The Red Devils had two touchdowns called back on penalties and gave up touchdowns on a blocked punt and an interception.

"It's kind of a good and bad type thing," Horrell said. "We have played a murderous schedule, and we could be 2-2. When you're in a losing streak like we are, it seems like maybe the kids play better against good competition."

The Rams have an excellent running game, led by running back Matt Underwood. Quarterback Lance Amick is also an effective passer in the few times the Rams elect to throw.

Scott City's defense is physical and active.

Chaffee quarterback Matt Graham is a capable passer. He will have to contend with pressure tonight.

"When we do pass the ball, we've got to be sure we have a blitz pick up," Horrell said. "They can pretty well rip up a game plan in a hurry."

Horrell is hoping the battle of turnovers goes in Chaffee's favor.

"We do our share of giving," Horrell said. "Hopefully, Scott City will be in the mood to give us something (tonight)."

Valle at Fredericktown

It has been even longer since Fredericktown has beaten Ste. Genevieve Valle - since 1979 - but this could be the year.

Fredericktown comes in at 1-3, after a 20-14 loss to Farmington. Valle is 2-2, including a 21-7 loss to Farmington.

"I think it's our best chance in awhile," Fredericktown coach Kent Gibbs. "They like to throw. We did a nice job against Farmington the few passes they threw."

Two years ago, Fredericktown was tied 7-7 against Valle before giving up a late 82-yard touchdown return.

The Black Cats want to avoid that tonight.

"We've not played bad defense," Gibbs said. "We've just given up big plays. We want to control that."

Fredericktown running back Jeremy Penwell was limited to 79 yards on 24 carries last week, but fullback Derek Smith gained 114 yards on 14 carries.

Perryville at Brentwood

Coming off a big win over Scott City last Friday, Perryville will try to avoid a letdown on the road against 1-3 Brentwood.

"Normally, you might think a team would let down after last week," Perryville coach Jerry Tucker said. "But this is a pretty good group."

Perryville will have a distinct size advantage over Brentwood and should be able to provide holes for running backs Joel Heuring, Andy Haertling and Matt Jenkins to run through.

Brentwood runs multiple sets and likes to trap.

"We want to make sure we eliminate mistakes," Tucker said.

Charleston at Malden

This is Charleston's chance for revenge, after a 49-24 drubbing at home against Malden (1-3) last year.

Charleston is 2-2, after a 42-21 loss to New Madrid County Central last week. Charleston led 21-20 after three quarters.

"Malden's numbers are down, and they have an inexperienced line," Charleston coach Dan Kesselring said. "We're just hoping we can keep their kids contained defensively, and be able to control the ballgame.

"We're going to try to attack them with our option attack.

Charleston fullback Kevin Brown is out for the next few weeks with an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament. He will be replaced by 5-foot-8, 165-pound senior Terry Humphrey.

Crystal City at St. Vincent

The next bump in the road for 4-0 St. Vincent is 2-2 Crystal City, which has beaten Aquinas-Mercy and Kennedy and lost to St. Pius and Lutheran-St. Charles. St. Vincent enters as a big favorite.

"It's important for us to come out and execute," St. Vincent coach Paul Sauer said. "Even last week, we struggled to move the football."

In a 14-12 win at Herculaneum last Friday, the Indians were outgained 314-98.

Crystal City, an I and double-wing option team, is led by running back Jason Johnson (350 yards) and quarterback Ryan Riney.

Tonight's Games

(7:30 p.m. kickoffs)

Belleville Althoff, Ill. at Cape Central

Beaumont at Jackson

Chaffee at Scott City

Perryville at Brentwood

Crystal City at St. Vincent

Charleston at Malden

Valle at Fredericktown

Sikeston at Alton, Ill.

Salem, Ark. at Poplar Bluff

Dexter at East Prairie

Kennett at Portageville

Thayer at Hayti

Caruthersville at New Madrid

Anna-Jonesboro at Chester

Christopher at Cairo (7 p.m.)