Two Weeks Left in District Football Play

What’s happened to Jehu Chesson? Once heralded as the top receiver prospect in St. Louis, and one of the better ones in the Midwest, the numbers are obviously not there in 2011.

The Ladue Rams (5-3) are smarting from that stunning 80 second come-from-behind 56-55 victory by MICDS Saturday. Chesson was not a big factor in that game and his numbers are not great this year. He did make a key catch on a pass downfield on third and long situation. He’s caught passes for just 454 yards and two TDs all season long.

"I'm not a big fan of statistics. We're not going to force the ball, just to get it to him," said Ladue's Coach Mike Tarpey. "We tell our receivers they are an important part of our running game. They need to block downfield well.

Don't worry, college recruters still love him like Michigan among others.

College recruiters still know what he can do," said Tarpey.

Ladue vs Clayton at Gay Field, Friday, 7 p.m.

The Rams have to pick up the pieces and move on. Their five-game streak was halted by the big play MICDS Rams Saturday. Clayton is just 3-5 and the district will produce two playoff teams.

Josh Smith, coach of MICDS calls Deavin Edwards of Ladue “the real deal.” He ought too. The senior rusher scored six times and ran for 386 yards in the crushing loss.

Edwards has amassed 1,520 yards and 22 TDs on the ground and three more via the air and returns.

Senior QB Brandon Carr has come of age, hitting 50 percent of his passes for 1,260 yards and 11 TDs.

Clayton’s QB is Jake Brown, a 43 percent passer who has netted 546 yards and 4 TDs.This has been a tough year for first-year coach Scott Weismann.

Runningback Tyler Walker has rushed for 549 yards and 7 TDs for the Greyhounds.

"This is a big game for our kids. You can throw out the records for this. They (Clayton) have had their ups and downs, but they will be tough against us," said Tarpey.

MICDS at University City, Saturday, 2 p.m.

“Beating Ladue was an exciting game but to dwell on it too long would be a distraction,” claimed Smith.

Sportswriter Bill Hester likes to call this a “trap game.”

City has lost to the likes of powerful Kirkwood, Webster Groves and Parkway South and have a win over a strong Parkway North team.

“We are wary of U. City. They’ve played a brutal schedule,” said Smith. They are a heavy senior based skill team,” he said.

Quarterback Deandre Williams leads the Lions’ attack. He is a 58 percent passer with a gaudy 1,912 yards and 18 TDs. His top receiver is Alex Henry with 1,143 yards and 17 TDs.

“We don’t like to be called a team of destiny. I hate that word,” said Smith who opened the season with a one-point overtime win over Maplewood.

Imagine College Prep at John Burroughs Saturday, 2 p.m.

The Bombers host Imagine Prep then close out the regular season Saturday, Oct. 29 at Priory at 1 p.m.

The Bombers made it to the Show Me Bowl last year on the arm of Sam Van Doren, and could do it again behind Davey Holmes.

Holmes has passed for 1,078 yards and 18 TDs. Most strikes go to Nathan Adams (458 yards, 7 TDs) and Foye Oluokun, 343 yards and 5 TDs.

Imagine bring a 1-6 record into this contest. Quarterback Matavian Payne has passed for 466 yards and 5 TDs and rushed for 276 team leading yards. Wide receiver Emannuel Vaughn has 4 TDs and 304 yards through the air.