Cape Central football team meets Affton in state quarterfinals for second straight year

Cape Central football fans will have fond memories of last year's Class 4 quarterfinals. The Tigers themselves, on the other hand, have already attempted to leave that memory behind.

The two schools will meet at 7 p.m. today for the second straight year in the state quarterfinals, this time at Tiger Stadium, and Central (8-4) isn't dwelling on the previous clash with the Cougars (12-1), even if it did feature a breezy 34-14 victory for the Tigers.

"It'll be totally different simply because it's a whole different season and totally different squad," Central coach Nathan Norman said. "We focus on getting better every week at Central football. ... We look at the past very little."

That's fitting, as the Tigers are playing some of their best football of the season at the moment, winning six of their last seven games after some early-season tests. The squad is coming off a 35-15 victory over Farmington to earn a Class 2 District 1 championship, and the defense has been lights out in the postseason, holding opponents to just 10 points per game during the last month.

Last week, Central held Farmington to just 89 yards on the ground at less than 2.9 yards per carry.

"On defense, our kids have done a great job," Norman said. "They've gotten better every week, and they've really come together lately. Hats off to my coaches and the kids on defense. They've done what they've been asked and have come to work every day, and it's paid off."

The Tigers will have their work cut out for them against an Affton offense that's putting up 37.2 points per game. The Cougars downed Vashon -- which defeated Central way back in the season opener -- 36-12 to take the District 2 title last week and haven't lost since Week 2 of the season, 27-21 to Parkway West.

"They're well-coached. They're disciplined and just a solid football team across the board," Norman said. "They don't have any weak spots. They've got a very athletic quarterback who can hurt you with his arm or his feet. They hurt you with the option. ... You've got to read keys and do your job and trust the guy beside you. If you try to do too much, you're in trouble."

That quarterback is Devontae Burse, who Central should be familiar with from last season's matchup. Burse is 77-of-134 passing for 1,413 yards, 27 touchdowns and just four interceptions, while also hurting teams with his feet to the tune of 115 carries for 718 yards, according to stltoday.com. He's complemented by running back Jordan Siegel, who currently has 1,118 rushing yards on 115 carries.

For their part, the Tigers have gotten big performances from their best players, including an effort from Al Young last week that saw the versatile star score four touchdowns in four different ways. Those types of efforts are exactly what take teams to the next level.

"It's critical," Norman said. "It's why we're here. We set out at the beginning of the year with the main goal of conference and district champs. I feel like we put together a good plan. Hats off to our kids to being consistent and overcoming adversity. We had some tough, close losses.

"Being consistent, hanging in there and coming to work every day, that's what I'm most proud of. It's not easy to stay focused and get better at something 13 weeks in a row, and these guys have done that."

Young now has 865 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing while hauling in 751 receiving yards and another 14 TDs through the air.

Quarterback Kway'Chon Chisom, who was a big part of the team that advanced from this stage a year ago but is entering new territory as a quarterback, has passed for 949 yards, 17 touchdowns and six interceptions with 837 yards and another 13 scores on the ground.

On the other side of the ball, the Affton defense is led by linebacker Tyler Burrus (118 tackles and seven sacks) and defensive back Terrell Van (five interceptions).

"For us, I tell the kids we've got to be consistent with the effort and attitude. I expect Affton to show up [and do that]. That's a given," Norman said. "I say the same thing every week, so it's kind of boring. But you've got to take care of the football, play assignment football and tackle well on defense. It sounds simple, but the team that does that is going to be the team that wins."

Central will get the opportunity to host this quarterfinal after going on the road a year ago. Norman, however, feels confident that's not a decisive factor for his side.

"I think that's more of a plus and a positive for our fans and community and administration," he said. "We feel like we're a good road team and home team. Obviously there's some comfort level playing at home, but I don't know if it's as big an advantage for our team as it is for our fans."

The winner will move on to face either five-time defending state champion Webb City or Harrisonville in the state semifinals.