ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Craig Knoth

School: Cape Central

Sport: Football

Coach: Jerry Dement

This season: Knoth, a 6-foot-2, 275-pound senior lineman and three-year starter, has 46 tackles, three fumble recoveries and four sacks this season at defensive tackle. On offense, the 1997 1st-team all-SEMO Conference selection is the Tigers' most dominant blocker. He is coming off reconstructive knee surgery last winter and has not missed a down due to his knees. With a 305-pound bench press, Knoth is at his strongest when drive blocking.

Week report: Knoth had seven tackles, including two for a loss, one fumble recovery and a quarterback hurry in a 22-6 Class 5A District 1 victory over Jackson.

Coach's comments: "He's our best blocker and leader on the line of scrimmage. When we need yards, we go over Craig Knoth. The last two games, he's stepped up and played his best football of the season. He's just a good kid with good character." Knoth is also a solid B-plus student.