Sikeston-Charleston rivalry will live up to its tradition

The Sikeston-Charleston football rivalry is known for being the oldest west of the Mississippi River. Recently, it has also been known as a guaranteed win on Sikeston's schedule. The Bulldogs have won 11 of the last 12 meetings, with Charleston's last series victory coming in 1996, when the Bluejays trotted out studs like Larico Coleman, Nick Pratt, Corey Kent and Victor Jamison. Since that year, even sub-.500 Sikeston teams have gotten the best of Charleston. The Bulldogs proved themselves last week with a 21-14 win against Jackson while Charleston was flat in a 21-7 loss to Kennett.

This one has the potential to get ugly.

Final score: Sikeston 35, Charleston 12

Cape Central at NMCC

Last week, New Madrid County Central was shellacked by Jonesboro, Ark., 37-0. Now the Eagles get to take on Cape Central, the top-ranked team in Southeast Missouri.

NMCC has handled Tigers the last three years. It's payback time.

Final score: Cape Central 28, NMCC 14

Scott City at Portageville

Neither Scott City or Portageville have scored in the 2002 season. The only difference is Scott City played last week while the Bulldogs were idle. Expect Portageville to open with a bang, and Scott City to enter Week 3 still without a touchdown.

Final score: Portageville 35, Scott City 0

Gosnell at Dexter

Note to all hometown clock keepers: only stop the clock at 0:01 when the home team is trying to come from behind to win. The Bearcats will have their hands full again this week when Bo Whittaker and Gosnell come to town. The Pirates have quite the reputation in Arkansas, and for good reason. Chalk up another moral victory for the Bearcats.

Final score: Gosnell 21, Dexter 20

Cairo at East Prairie

Usually you won't see "good football team" and "Cairo" in the same sentence. The Pilots were 1-6 last year and head coach Ron Woods has an almost unbelievable career record of 27-114. Last week they beat Elverado 28-0, a team that was outscored 41-0 by Christopher the week before. If they can avoid turnovers, East Prairie can beat these guys.

Final score: East Prairie 14, Cairo 6

Blytheville at Poplar Bluff

Bluff won a thriller in Week 1, but it will take a better effort to get by much-improved Blytheville. QB Brice Beck shredded traditional power Osceola, running what has been described as a "fast break" offense. Trell Edington's leg won't be able to save the Mules this week.

Final score: Blytheville 28, Poplar Bluff 20

Malden at Hayti

In what could be the most exciting game of the week, Malden takes on Hayti. Both teams were extremely impressive last week, with Malden shutting out Scott City and the Indians smoking East Prairie.

After sitting out one game, Hayti all-stater William Moore returns to the starting lineup. Both teams have athletes but Hayti has "Moore."

Final score: Hayti 38, Malden 21

Chaffee at Corning

Corning, Ark., returns several players from last year's 2-8 team including leading rusher Keith Morley, who has been moved from HB to QB. Unless the Red Devils have worked out all of their defensive problems, he will lead the Bobcats to their second victory of the season.

Final score: Corning 22, Chaffee 14

Jackson at Rockwood

Three turnovers doomed the Indians in a tough loss to Sikeston in Week 1. The Indians should jump right back on track with a win over Rockwood Summit this week. Look for a big game out of Jason Meystedt.

Final score: Jackson 30, Rockwood 14

Caruthersville at Kennett

The going doesn't get much easier for Caruthersville, who lost to Southern Illinois power Anna-Jonesboro last week.

Kennett didn't attempt a pass last week, and won't have to this week either.

Final score: Kennett 28, Caruthersville 7