Jackson Indians and Seckman Jaguars are set to face off in the Class 6 District 1 Championship on Friday at 7 p.m. Both teams have had strong seasons, with Jackson boasting a record of 9-1 and Seckman undefeated at 10-0.
The two teams have a history, with Jackson winning nine of their previous ten matchups, including a dominant 52-14 victory in last year’s district championship game. Jackson has been on a winning streak, triumphing in their last nine games after a season-opening loss to Edwardsville.
Coached by Ryan Nesbitt, who has had a remarkable first year with the team, Jackson’s success is evident. They won the Class 5 state championship in 2020 and finished as runners-up in 2019. With an average of 52.2 points per game during their winning streak, Jackson’s offense has been unstoppable. This year’s district title game will be the first time they play on the road since 2017.
Seckman, on the other hand, is having a historic season, setting a school record with ten victories. They have been dominant in their games, winning by an average of 34 points per contest. The team relies on a run-first strategy, with senior quarterback Tommy Gibbar leading the charge. Gibbar has rushed for an impressive 1,321 yards and 25 touchdowns. One notable aspect of Seckman’s season is their lack of interceptions on offense, demonstrating their disciplined and efficient style of play. Their defense has also been stellar, allowing just 6.6 points per game.
The winner of this championship game will move on to face either CBC or Francis Howell in the Class 6 quarterfinals. Both CBC and Francis Howell have strong records and will pose a tough challenge for either Jackson or Seckman.
In another Class 6 championship game, CBC Cadets will battle the Francis Howell Vikings. CBC, the two-time defending Class 6 state champions, have won five consecutive games after a loss to De Smet. The Cadets have a storied history, with five overall state titles, including recent victories in 2014, 2017, and 2018. They have a high-scoring offense, averaging 44 points per game. Wide receivers Jeremiah McClellan and Corey Simms have been key contributors to CBC’s success.
Francis Howell, the defending Class 5 state champions, have also had a successful season, winning eight straight games after early losses to Jackson and Lutheran North. Senior quarterback Adam Shipley has been impressive, throwing for 20 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Senior running back Maddox Duncan has rushed for over 1,000 yards and 20 scores. The winner of this matchup will go on to face either Seckman or Jackson in the Class 6 quarterfinals.
In the Class 6 District 3 championship game, the SLUH Junior Billikens will take on the De Smet Spartans. SLUH has faced some tough opponents throughout the season, with their four losses coming against teams still alive in the playoffs. Their senior quarterback Marco Sansone has thrown for the most yards among all quarterbacks still playing in the area. SLUH will look to their standout wide receiver, Ryan Wingo, who recently committed to the University of Texas, to make big plays.
De Smet has had a strong season, winning eight of their nine games. Junior quarterback Dillon Duff has been impressive, throwing for 1,345 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Spartans have a rich history, winning state titles in 2005 and 2019. They have a potent special teams unit, returning seven punts or kickoffs for touchdowns.
The winner of this matchup will move on to face either Rock Bridge or Troy in the Class 6 quarterfinals.
In the Class 5 District 3 championship game, MICDS Rams will face off against Cardinal Ritter Lions. MICDS won their first five games before a loss to Lutheran North. Their junior quarterback Brian Gould has been a dual threat, excelling in both passing and rushing. Gould’s favorite target is sophomore Graham Faust, who has shown great potential. The Rams’ defense is led by junior defensive lineman Lucas Allgeyer, who has been dominant with 13 sacks on the season.
Cardinal Ritter, the defending Class 3 state champions, have been on fire, winning 24 consecutive games. They have outscored opponents 1,052-220 along the way, boasting an average margin of victory of 34.6 points per game. Their two-quarterback system, led by junior Carson Boyd and senior Antwon McKay Jr., has been highly effective.
The winner of this game will face either St. Dominic or Fort Zumwalt North in the Class 5 quarterfinals.
In Class 1a action, Althoff Crusaders will take on Camp Point Central Panthers in the state quarterfinals. Althoff is looking to make a return to their glory days, having previously won state championships in 1980, 1989, and 1990. Junior running back Dierre Hill Jr. has been a standout player for Althoff, rushing for over 1,600 yards and 22 touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Charleston Coldon has been a big-play threat.
Camp Point Central, the runner-up in last year’s Class 1A state championship game, has had a strong season and is ranked at the top of many statewide polls. The Panthers have recorded eight running-clock wins and are led by junior fullback Elijah Genebacher.
The winner of this game will face either Greenfield or Sessier-Valier in the Class 1A semifinals.
These championship games promise to be thrilling battles between talented teams vying for a chance at state glory. Fans can expect an exciting display of skill and determination as these teams compete for their shot at the quarterfinals.
