Tribe, Herrin Renewing Rivalry
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Since its 1993 revival, the long-running gridiron series between Du
Quoin and Herrin has developed plenty of plots and sub-plots.
While the story lines aren¹t quite juicy enough to draw the attention of
Stephen King or J.K. Rowling, another interesting chapter is about to
unfold.
The Indians and Tigers match 2-0 records Friday night in the 32nd
installment of what¹s turning into a bitter rivalry.
Clinging to a 15-14-2 all-time series edge, Du Quoin hopes to bounce
back from back-to-losses to the Class 4A Tigers.
Kickoff is set for 7 o¹clock at Harrison-Bruce Sports Complex, where the
home team has more than defended its own turf.
Du Quoin¹s produced just one victory (1998) in its six prior trips to
H-B. Each game has been decided by a touchdown or less.
³That¹s always been a tough place for any visiting team,² Indians coach
Al Martin admits. ³We aren¹t the only ones. Herrin¹s had some very good
football teams that really play and defend that home field well.²
Herrin ended a 36-year streak of frustration last September, blanking Du
Quoin 18-0 at Van Metre Field.
The last time a Herrin team won there, current coach and former Du Quoin
standout Jason Karnes (third year, 17-6) wasn¹t even born.
The middle son of legendary Du Quoin coach‹and now Herrin assistant Bob
Karnes‹Jason expects a huge crowd Friday.
Prior to last season, the last time a Du Quoin team was blanked at Van
Metre‹1985 by Anna-Jonesboro‹Bob was coaching the Tribe.
³It doesn¹t get any better than that,² Jason said of facing his alma
mater. ³Its great for high school football with the rivalry and tradition
they have going. Du Quoin has been a big rival for us over the years. The
last four or five have been great games.²
Herrin blasted Olney-East Richland (48-7) to start 2008 and followed
that with a 34-0 blanking of Du Quoin¹s week #1 foe, Bethalto Civic
Memorial.
A five-headed rushing monster of Kaleb Warren (5¹8, 165, sr.), B.J.
McGee (5¹10, 165, sr.), Garrett Butler (5¹11, 180, sr.), Kyle Hudson (5¹11,
185, sr.) and David Mallow (6¹2, 185, jr.) have rolled up over 800 yards in
the two lopsided wins.
Quarterback Ethan Grounds (5¹11, 165, sr.)‹another running threat‹is
also a capable passer. However, the Tigers haven¹t thrownmuch the first two
weeks.
Senior Kenny Jackson (6¹1, 225) anchors the offensive and defensive
lines. Warren, Hudson and Butler are back at linebacker.
Grounds‹gifted at punter and kicker‹returns to play free safety.
Herrin¹s first unit defense hasn¹t allowed a touchdown while holding
Olney and BCM to under 80 yards total offense in each game.
³They again look like a playoff-caliber Class 4A football team,² Martin
said. ³Once again, they have very good speed and quickness.²
Du Quoin owns easy wins over BCM (35-14) and Harrisburg (43-7) as
Northern Illinois University-bound quarterback A.J. Hill (23-for-38, three
TD) has passed for 365 yards.
The wealth is spread among five different receivers with junior David
Rose (10 catches, 195 yards) leading the way.
David Gayton (5¹10, 165, jr.), Jamar Reed (5¹9, 170, jr.) and Hill are
the top rushers.
Against Harrisburg, senior two-way end Dalton Morgan forced two
turnovers, blocked a punt and turned a short Hill pass into a 47-yard
touchdown.
Morgan and outside linebacker Evon Stollhans (5¹10, 170, jr.) share the
tackles lead after two weeks.
³We¹ve continued to show improvement on both offense and defense the
first two weeks,² Martin said. ³And we want to come out of this week¹s game
feeling like we have improved.²
A rather ominous weather forecast lurks Friday night. According to the
National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., the Herrin area can expect showers
and thunderstorms.
Rain chances increase during the daylight hours Friday.