What 2 watch 4: Turnovers could swing Jackson vs. Carthage battle

Jackson's Blake Blackman (12) and Eureka's Dax Dubroc (21) attempt to catch a pass from a Eureka player near Jackson's Garner Horman (16) during the Indians' 29-14 victory over Eureka in the Class 5 quarterfinal last month in Jackson.

Jacob Wiegand ~ Southeast Missourian

This is as far as you can go when it comes to high school football.

The Jackson Indians and Carthage Tigers will both be looking for the first state football titles in school history when they meet Saturday at Faurot Field on the campus of the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri.

Here are a few things to keep an eye on that might decide which team brings home the coveted hardware.

Ball security

Both teams are on the plus side of turnovers on the season. Jackson at plus-10 and Carthage at plus-9. Carthage rushers have lost only three fumbles on 582 rushing attempts. Leading rusher Tyler Mueller, who has 1,714 yards an scored 26 TDs, has not fumbled on 211 carries. Quarterback Pat Carlton has two fumbles in 206 carries. On the season, Carthage has committed just eight turnovers, but Jackson is not far behind with 10.

Balance vs. run

While the Indians ran the ball an unusual amount in its semifinal win over Staley, balance is their signature mark. Jackson averages 456.8 yards offense per game, evenly distributed among pass (227.5) and run (229.3). Carthage prefers to take the low road, averaging 44.8 rushes per game and 9.3 passes. The Tigers average 427.2 yards per game but average less than 100 yards passing. The Indians will need to air the ball to spread out an attacking, physical Tiger defense.

Special teams

Jackson does not use the traditional punting depth of most teams, preferring to let quarterback Cael Welker kick from little more than a normal shotgun setup with no additional blockers. The kicks are often low and several were nearly blocked in the semifinal matchup. A strong Carthage defensive front could close the distance between Welker and trouble. The Tigers certainly will be trying to get a hand on one.

Just for kicks

In regard to place-kicking, Carthage kicker Marcus Huntley is 57 of 62 (91.9%) on PATs. Jackson kicker Logan Bruns is 54 of 75 (72%), and the Indians misfired on two PATs in its semifinal win. You don’t have to remind Jackson how important PATs can be in a title game (See 1995 story). Neither of the teams have made a field goal this season. Jackson did not attempt one, while Carthage missed its lone attempt.

Some bodies

Carthage pinned the first loss on No. 1 ranked Fort Zumwalt North, and the Tigers used sturdy defense to muzzle a potent attack. The Tiger defenders appear thick throughout, which gave FZN trouble. Carthage senior Oscar Campa plays on both sides of the line and is one of three Tigers listed at 270 pounds on the offensive line. Jackson does not list players' height and weight, but they appear to be up against bigger players at multiple positions, including 6-7 Alex Martini who plays both ways and leads the Tigers in sacks (11) and tackles for loss (18).

Quarterback keepers

Both teams have junior quarterbacks who are their team’s second-leading rusher. Jackson’s Welker has rushed for 643 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and scoring 13 TDs. His counterpart, Carlton, has rushed for 1,421 yards, averaging 6.9 ypc and scoring 25 TDs. Carlton, who has 215 pounds on his 6-2 frame, scored all three touchdowns for Carthage in its semifinal win.