St. Aloysius running back Rob Jones (36) takes a handoff from Daniel Halinski during the Flashes’ 43-29 win over Dexter last Friday. (Brian LodenThe Vicksburg Post)

[10/29/04]St. Aloysius has an opportunity beginning tonight to make the most of an otherwise disappointing season.

The Flashes (2-7, 2-5 Region 4-1A) are fresh off a 43-29 victory over Dexter last week and poised for their second straight win.

Tonight’s opponent, West Lincoln, has one win this season.

“West Lincoln, according to people I have talked to, have said that a couple of teams that beat us had trouble stopping them,” St. Al coach Jim Taylor said. “They run a power-I straight at you. They have some big, strong kids.

“They have a terrible record, but have been close against some good teams.”

The Flashes fell behind Dexter early last week, but behind the power running of Rob Jones pulled away late in the game.

“It’s always good to win, and hopefully we can win two more,” Taylor said. “It’s important every year to end up on a good note whether you have a winning season or not. You can feel good going into winter.”

St. Al came into the season with an abundance of untested youth at the skill positions. With Jones, the team’s best player, getting keyed on all season, St. Al has struggled to generate consistent offense. The Flashes even completed a 25-yard touchdown pass their longest of the season in the Dexter win.

“I thought the biggest thing that game was not hurting ourselves,” Taylor said. “We did the things we needed to do to win the game.”

Following the West Lincoln game, the Flashes will play archrival Natchez Cathedral on Nov. 5 in Vicksburg.