Chester at Nashville
Chester (3-0) is off to their best start in 10 years and Friday night, they will face their toughest challenge of the young season as they travel to Nashville (2-1).
“Nashville is a very large team,” said Chester coach Bryan Lee. “They run the double wing and like to gain four yards at a time running the ball right at you. We have to make sure that we fight up front and be patient. We have to stay focused on defense and not allow the big play. This game will come down to who can execute best and avoid turnovers. This should be a very hard fought and physical game.”
The Yellow Jackets have been dominant so far this season with wins over Carlyle (41-6), Fredericktown (24-11), and Wesclin (49-7).
Nashville has also been impressive in their two wins, a 31-8 beating of Benton and a 59-20 victory over West Frankfort. The Hornets’ lone loss of the season was in week two, 41-13 against Breese Mater Dei.
Last season, Chester controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and took advantage of Nashville turnovers for an important 26-6 win.
The Jackets gained 293 yards on the ground compared to just 125 yards from Nashville.
Pinckneyville at Anna-Jonesboro
After suffering three close losses to start the season, all by seven points or less, Pinckneyville will have to travel to face an always tough Anna-Jonesboro team Friday night.
“Anna-Jonesboro will be very physical,” said Pinckneyville coach Tod Rushing.
“We have to play physical with them and take care of the football. Our kids are starting to adapt to our new defense, and it is just a matter of staying positive mentally.”
The Panthers fell to Red Bud 33-29 in week one, West Frankfort 27-20 in week two and to Benton 14-7 last week.
Anna-Jonesboro blitzed West Frankfort 42-0 in week one, then topped Murphysboro 36-21 in week two before falling to Massac County last weekend 36-7.
 Last season, Anna-Jonesboro scored 41 points in the first quarter en route to a 60-0 win over Pinckneyville in the conference finale for both squads.
The powerful Anna-Jonesboro offense ran the ball 26 times for nearly 400 yards in the win. The Wildcats racked up 17 first downs in the game while holding the Panthers to just five.
Pinckneyville was held to just 83 yards of total offense.
Anna-Jonesboro led 54-0 by halftime, and the defense would hold on for the shutout the rest of the way.
Du Quoin at Sparta
Sparta (0-3) seems to be improving each week, but the Dawgs will have their paws full Friday night as they host Du Quoin (2-1).
“Du Quoin will be big, strong and fast, as usual,” said Sparta coach Phil Watson. “They are well-coached and play very tough week in and week out. We will have to fight for first downs and try to control the clock. That will not be an easy task, as Du Quoin is really big up front. We will have our work cut out for us, but we just need to limit big plays and cut down on our penalties.”
Sparta will be seeking their first win of the season after falling to Columbia 28-15 in week one, 35-14 to Benton in week two and 28-14 to Murphysboro last Friday night.
Du Quoin knocked off Civic Memorial in week one 35-28 before falling to Harrisburg 41-12 in week two. The Indians edged out Herrin 19-14 last Friday night.
Last season, Du Quoin scored the game’s first 49 points and gained nearly 400 yards of total offense in a 49-6 win over Sparta.
The Indians ran the ball 33 times for 210 yards, while passing for 171 yards.
The Bulldogs picked up 85 yards on 17 carries, while Blake Shelton completed 7-of-26 passes for 119 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Elverado-Trico at Carterville
Elverado-Trico (0-3) is still searching that first victory of the season and Friday night won’t be an easy task, as the Falcons travel to take on Carterville (2-1).
“Carterville runs the double option, like we do, so our kids should understand what they are trying to do,” said Elverado-Trico coach Duffy Sanders. “Carterville is a very athletic and fast team, but they are not as big as in years past. We have to be able to slow them down and anticipate on defense. We have to be able to get to our spots and make tackles, because we won’t be able to chase Carterville down. This is just another test against a really good football team.”
Elverado-Trico has been able to compete  in the first half against their first three opponents but haven’t been able to keep up in the second half. The Falcons fell to Fairfield 47-6 in week one, lost to Eldorado 32-8 in week two and were defeated 42-14 by Johnston City Friday night.
After suffering a first week upset to Sesser-Valier 31-19, Carterville has looked impressive, with a pair of shutout wins over Carmi-White County (35-0) and Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton (21-0).
Last season, Carterville dominated the ground game as they rolled to a 72-0 win over Elverado-Trico.
The Lions rushed for 412 yards while holding the Elverado-Trico ground attack to just one positive yard on 25 carries.
Carterville scored 28 points in the first quarter and led 66-0 at half-time. The Lions outscored Elverado-Trico 6-0 in the second half for the 72-0 shutout win.