Jackson football coach Van Hitt told me today that he thinks Hazelwood Central, who Jackson (2-2) plays this week, is a better team than both Riverview Gardens and Gateway Tech, the two squads the Indians already have lost to this season.

The Indians play Class 6 Hazelwood Central at home Friday at 7 p.m.

Hazelwood Central has beaten Class 4 University City, Class 6 Rock Bridge and Class 6 Ritenour. Its lone loss was against the No. 4 team in Class 5 Hazelwood East.

"I think the kids are excited to play Hazelwood Central," Hitt said. "I really do. To me overall this is probably the best team we've faced to this point. ... We hope we will get some carry over into the district by facing such talent teams early in the season."

Hazelwood Central has both a strong passing and running game led by tailback Maurice Scott who Hitt said is just 5-foot-5, 160 pounds and has posted an average of 7.5 yards per carry this season.

"He's like catching a bumble-bee in flight," Hitt said of Scott. "He has excellent speed once he breaks in the open.

"It's going to be all we want in a football game," Hitt added. "Their quarterback throws the ball on the move real well. He can run out of the pocket, throw the ball deep and puts it right on the money."

Indians senior Jake Wren practiced today for the first time in approximately three weeks.

Wren, who is in his second year starting at safety, has been sidelined with a groin injury.

"He seemed to get through practice OK," Hitt said. "No problems. So we expect him to see some playing time Friday night. We're looking for him to get some playing time at safety and at wide receivers on offense."