Rulo: Bulldogs can't be "looking ahead' vs. Cougars

MOKANE - South Callaway head football coach Tim Rulo can envision the state's new playoff system creating the possibility of a wild scramble capable of producing all sorts of entertaining scenarios.

No. 2 seed South Callaway - ranked No. 10 in Class 2 - will take an unassuming approach into tonight's District 6 opener when it hosts No. 7 seed Lutheran (St. Peters). Kickoff is at 7. The game had originally been moved to Thursday night, but was pushed back to tonight at Lutheran's request.

With the state introducing an eight-team, single-elimination district format this season, Rulo has cautioned his squad to be wary of each foe - regardless of record or seed.

"It definitely increases the intensity," Rulo said after practice Monday night. "... That's what one of our players kind of mentioned, just this idea that now you have a chance for upsets; if they (opponent) upset, they go on.

"It's kind of a little Cinderella-esque, a little NCAA March Madness-style, which is fun. But again, I think it just increases the intensity and the seriousness of each game - and needing to focus on that opponent. You definitely don't want to catch yourself looking ahead."

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.