A FIRE IN THE KITCHEN: CENTRAL SENIOR EXCELS IN TIGERS' 6-1 START

Cape Central senior football standout Tatum Kitchen isn't quite sure what career he'd like to pursue after his high school days are over.

But judging by the rave reviews he gets from opposing coaches, he may want to look into an acting career. He obviously looks good on film.

Several coaches have given Kitchen "two thumbs up" after reviewing game tapes of the senior linebacker and fullback.

Said one coach: "Kitchen is a heck of a ball player. I remember him last year and he's a good one."

And another: "Cape has a pretty good-looking middle linebacker that turns around and plays fullback. He's a nice-looking kid. He does a nice job."

Kitchen has done a nice job for the 6-1 Tigers as they enter their initial district contest Friday night against undefeated Jackson at Houck Field. Kitchen, a three-year starter and returning all-district and all-conference selection, is flattered by the attention he's received from opposing coaches. But he also understands the downside to being a key player for the Tigers.

"It makes me feel good, but then that means they're going to be out to kill me," said Kitchen, with a laugh. "It's nice, but I know they'll be out to beat me."

Opposing coaches are not the only people paying attention to Kitchen's football exploits. Starting this season, several Division I-A colleges have shown interest in the 6-foot-2, 210-pound missile.

"We know he's going to go somewhere nice, but we want him focused on his last year," said Central coach Jerry Dement, declining to specify any particular schools. "He's getting a lot of interest from Midwest Division I colleges."

And the reasons are obvious.

Kitchen leads Central's defense with 75 tackles, has two interceptions, three fumble recoveries (one for a touchdown) and has blocked a punt. If that's not impressive enough, he also turns around on offense and plays an important part in the Tigers' high-powered offense.

"He's become a complete player for us," said Dement. "He plays every down on offense and defense. He's just having a fantastic season."

Kitchen, used primarily as a blocker for tailback Justin Blackmon, is second on the team with 437 yards on 68 carries. He's scored four times, including three TDs in a 47-20 win over Oakville.

"He's a major contributor to us defensively, but he's also had a solid season offensively," Dement said. "He's running the ball real well for us, but his blocking has really come around. He's done a real good job of helping Justin Blackmon to the fine season he's had."

With Kitchen leading the way at fullback, Blackmon is closing in on his second 1,000-yard season.

"Tatum's an example of what we want Tiger football to be like," said Dement. "He's worked real hard in the off-season to make himself a better athlete. He's put a lot of time in the weight room and done a lot of work on his speed and it really paid off for him this year.

"He's a good example of having some natural ability and putting a lot of time into getting the most out of that ability."

Considering his size, Kitchen's speed and versatility are some of the things that make college recruiters salivate. He runs 40 yards in 4.6 seconds and is also an outstanding baseball player.

Kitchen named teammates Ross Bennett, Chris Allen and Emmanuel Harris as players that are faster than him, but "there's probably more than that," he said grinning. "Especially after they read the paper they'll want to race me."

Described by Dement as a "leader by example", Kitchen has felt the need to step up his play and leadership abilities in his final season.

"It's been a big difference," Kitchen said. "As a junior, you're kind of in the background. But as a senior ... I don't really feel pressure to be a leader, I just know I have to be one."

His senior year at Central has been everything he's expected, but the outcome of the three upcoming district games will be the deciding factor on how successful Kitchen views his season.

"It's been good so far," Kitchen said. "But no matter how good the season is, if you don't do well in districts it's almost a lost season."

His coach agrees.

"He's been a dominant defensive player for us," said Dement. "He needs to continue that the next three weeks."

Tatum Kitchen File

Year: Senior

Hero: Muhammad Ali (used to like Mike Tyson)

Hobbies: watching TV

Football highlight: "I hope it's coming."

Why Jersey #5: "I played quarterback as a sophomore and got stuck with it."

On being recruited: "It's been neat, but you have to keep it realistic and think that they're probably calling about 1,000 other kids too."