Bulldogs to host Jamboree

Sikeston's Blake DeWitt (8) turns the corner in last Friday's Red and Black scrimmage (photo by Tim Jaynes, Staff)

SIKESTON - Sikeston Public Schools Stadium will be the site of the 2002 Jamboree for the Sikeston Bulldogs, East Prairie Eagles, New Madrid County Central Eagles and Jennings Warriors.

The Jamboree will start at 6:30 p.m. on Friday.

It's the second time Sikeston will host the Jamboree, since the inception of the event in 1997.

"We're happy to be hosting the Jamboree again," said Sikeston head coach Charlie Vickery. "I think we have the facilities to host an event like this and it's a good location. We're excited about it."

Ever since hosting in 1997, Sikeston has been to Ste. Genevieve twice, NMCC High School and East Prairie last year. Vickery says he's ready to see how his team performs under the lights.

"We didn't get a chance to play on the field last week with the scrimmage because of the weather, so this week we'll be able to do that and see how we look against somebody else," said Vickery.

Also competing in a Jamboree this year is Charleston, which lines up against Ste. Genevieve Valle and host school Malden on Friday at 6 p.m.

"It's one of the better things that the state has implemented to get the kids ready for the season -- it's a win-win situation," said Charleston head coach Brent Anderson. "I think it helps in all phases of football, getting them physically and mentally ready."

Anderson says it's a perfect opportunity for players to showcase their stuff a week before the regular season starts.

"If you have a controversy or a battle for a position then you can iron things out during the Jamboree," said Anderson. "The biggest thing I want to see is our kids competing. I want to know if we have kids with that competitive fire in them. We have some positions that are still unsolved and this will give us a gauge at some key positions."

Also hosting a Jamboree this year will be Dexter again, which will host Fredericktown, Portageville and Scotty City.

Kennett will host a Jamboree including teams from Hayti, Caruthersville and Chaffee.

Poplar Bluff will make the long trip to West Plains for a Jamboree.