Semoball football poll: Sikeston slips into tie for third

Apologies for my failure to post this in a timely manner. As always, this poll is voted on by reporters, radio broadcasters and football fanatics around the region.

1. Jackson (5-1, 40 points): The Indians were already a unanimous No. 1 in our poll, but a 49-0 shellacking of Sikeston answered any lingering questions about which team is the best in Southeast Missouri. We'll get to see how Jackson stacks up against teams from around the state during the remainder of the regular season. The Indians will travel to Columbia on Friday to face Battle High School then host Columbia's Hickman High School before capping off the regular season against Francis Howell Central.

2. Central (2-4, 22 points): The Tigers jumped up two spots this week after a convincing win over Farmington. It seems that scoring 52 points in a half against a conference opponents convinced voters to move Central up on their ballots despite the fact that it was just the Tigers second win of the season. The battle for No. 2 likely will be settled next week when Central travels to Sikeston.

t3. Sikeston (5-1, 21 points): The Bulldogs dropped a spot after their loss to Jackson. It wasn't a surprise that the host Indians defeated Sikeston in their intimidating home stadium, but the margin of victory undoubtedly surprised most. Critics have questioned the strength of Sikeston's schedule and called its record inflated for years, even when the Bulldogs advanced to state semifinals, but this season those arguments might be justified.

t3. Caruthersville (4-1, 21 points): Caruthersville, who owned the No. 3 spot on its own last week, has to share this time around. The Tigers went against the norm in high school football and had a bye week. They'll return to the field this Friday to take on Kennett at home.

5. Chaffee (6-0, 8 points): The Red Devils kept their No. 5 spot on the poll this week, but their next opponent, Malden, garnered more votes this week than it has all season. Chaffee players and coach Charlie Vickery said the team did not play particularly well while beating East Prairie 54-32 Friday night. It will have to play much better to beat the Green Wave and keep this spot next week. Oh, and to win the SEMO South conference championship.