Last week the St. Aloysius Flashes proved they belong in the upper echelon of Region 2-1A by playing fifth-ranked Lake down to the final minute in a 33-28 loss.

Tonight, the Flashes (2-2, 1-1) take on a South Leake ballclub that sits in the very same situation, tied for third behind frontrunners Lake and Puckett.

The Wildcats (2-2, 1-1) have been an improved team this season, judging by its 113-47 scoring advantage over their opponents.

&#8220They are very athletic and the quarterback is their best player,” said St. Al coach Jim Taylor of Wildcat quarterback Tyrone Stingley. &#8220He has a strong arm.”

Stingley has scored three rushing touchdowns and has two passing. Both of the TD passes came in the losses to Hinds AHS (33-7) and Sebastopol (14-6).

The top receivers are Justin Darby and Gerald Townsend. Terrell Darby is the top back with four scores.

The Flashes come in pretty banged up and the hasn’t been a good week of practice, according to Taylor.

&#8220We hadn’t had a good day all week,” Taylor said. &#8220We’ve had a lot injuries and sickness since the Lake game. We’ve lost Brendan Beesley for the year after a concussion. He had been our leading tackler on our special teams,” Taylor said.

Wingback Joseph Sudderth hurt his knee against Lake and Taylor lists him as questionable for tonight. Senior Marsh Willis has been sick all week and may get held out. Taylor also said that three of the younger Flashes have been sick with fever.

St. Al, though, will have the bulk of its offensive firepower available. Sophomore quarterback Chris Lewis continues to progress. He comes off a career high 189-yard, two-TD game against Lake. He has now completed 26 of 51 for 386 yards and three TDs for the season.

Flanker Jordan Muirhead is one of the top receivers in the county with 10 receptions for 138 yards while tight end J.R. Burnett is a key figure on both sides of the ball.

Running back Alex Halinski continues to lead the county in rushing and enters this week’s game with 564 yards off 86 carries and five touchdowns.