Friday Night Lights: It comes down to Du Quoin vs. A-J, Again....

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[One of Southern Illinois' longest running-and certainly most intense-gridiron rivalries renews for the 76th time Friday night.

And, as always seems the case when Du Quoin and Anna-Jonesboro trade blows, the survivor stands to gain plenty.

Neither team is state-rated, but the contest will again decide who wins the River-to-River Conference's Mississippi Division title.

Anna-Jonesboro (5-2, 3-1) invades venerable Van Metre Field at Du Quoin High School for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Despite a weather forecast calling for rain and dropping temperatures, an overflow crowd is anticipated.

The Indians are 6-1 and 4-0, the lone blemish coming six weeks ago against Class 4A Harrisburg.

Du Quoin, which extended its state-record consecutive playoff streak to 26 years with last week's overtime win at Nashville, holds a commanding 49-25-1 lead in the overall series.

"It's always been a big game when Du Quoin plays Anna, " Indians coach Al Martin (22nd year, 220-44, 21-3 vs. A-J) said.

"We've played some great football games in the past and once again this year's game will decide the conference championship."

2009's been a roller coast ride for the Wildcats, who boast lopsided wins over West Frankfort (42-0) and Pinckenyville (49-7).

The other three victories-claimed against Murphysboro (36-21), Sparta (30-15) and Chester (7-0) have came by much closer margins.

Fighting injury woes all season, A-J's losses are to Massac County (36-7) and Nashville (36-29).

Veteran coach Brett Detering (13th year, 93-46, 3-12 vs. Du Quoin) has guided the Wildcats to 86 wins this decade. The Wildcats have all but clinched a 10th straight playoff berth.

Three-way standout J.R. Woodward (6'4, 190, sr.) is the keynote performer in a talented, but small (only nine rostered players) senior class.

Woodward is quarterback and safety. He's fought shoulder and ankle issues all season but is still considered to be a top-notch college prospect as a punter.

Returning running backs Jordan Chamness (5'11, 185, sr.) and Gabe Pecord (6'0, 180, sr.) provide plenty of size and strength.

Classmates Josh Flamm (5'7, 185), Alex Gonzalez (5'10, 265) and Luke Munsell (6'4, 265) anchor the offensive and defensive lines.

"Anna's played through a lot of injuries," Martin said. "Like some of the teams we've played the last few weeks, they seem to be starting to get everyone healthy and sound. They're a good football team with several offensive weapons. On defense, they've been banged up a lot but look pretty sound."

Last week versus Chester, the Wildcats dominated by allowing just 115 total yards-only 90 came on the ground.

Offensive weapons aren't a problem for Martin, who's attack relies heavily on senior quarterback Matt Gossett (6'4, 185, sr.., 868 yards, 13 touchdowns) and the talented receiving trio of David Rose (6'0, 185, sr., 28 catches, 406 yards, six TD), Marcus Clarry (6'0, 160, sr. , 13 catches, 228 yards, three touchdowns) and sophomore tight end Brandon Williams (6'4, 215, 2 TD).

A balanced rushing attack is keyed by hard-running senior David Gaytan 5'10, 180, (570 yards) and Aaron Smith (5'11, 170, jr., 397 yards).

Gayton had the game-winning catch against Nashville and is also very effective in the passing game.

Defensively, All-SIRR returnees Jamor Reed (5'9, 165, sr.) , Clarry, Rose and Alex Heape (5'11, 215, sr) have combined for more than 225 tackles.

Down linemen Patrick Jones (6'0, 280, sr.) and Bryce Hamburger (6'1, 270, jr.) have been rock-solid against the run.

Linebackers Jerel Holmes (5'9, 170, jr.) , Evon Stollhans (5'9, 190, sr.) and Chaz Bland (6'0, 160, jr.) are among the team leaders in stops.

"Our defense is continuing to improve and has been very good the past few weeks," said Martin. "And we'll need to be very sound against A-J. They have lots of outstanding speed on both sides of the ball. We know this will be a tough, tough game."

Sophomore Cayle Diggins (6'0, 160) provides Du Quoin with a nice option in the kicking game.

Kyle Kelley (6'0, 205, sr.) continues solid work at the punting position.

Clarry, Rose, Smith and speedy juniors Seth Baxter, JC Davis and Trent Bigham handle the return chores.

"All aspects of our special teams have continued to improve every single week," Martin said.

"Against good ballclubs like Anna, special teams play can sometimes be the difference in who wins and who doesn't."

WDQN-AM (1580) carries Friday's battle live, starting at 6:40.