CAPE CENTRAL STAYS WINLESS WITH 17-7 LOSS TO GRAVES CO.

MAYFIELD -- On Friday night, Cape Central had about as much success at getting a bounce as it has had getting a win this season.

After a 17-7 loss to Graves County, the Tigers had zeroes in both categories.

The Tigers saw a Brian Emmendorfer 53-yard field goal attempt rejected by the crossbar and watched the Eagles recover every one of their numerous fumbles as Central fell to 0-5 on the season.

The Tigers held Graves County to just 139 yards total offense while rolling up a season-high 208 yards offense of its own. Over 100 yards of Central's output was accumulated in the third quarter when it scored its lone touchdown.

Graves County (4-2) controlled field position in the first half as it took a 14-0 lead into halftime.

Central trimmed the lead to 14-7 when quarterback Jeff Dunaway connected with Zac Fidler on a 10-yard scoring pass midway through the third period. The pass completed a 66-yard Cape Central drive on its initial possession of the half. Emmendorfer added the extra point.

Building a wave of momentum, the Tigers nearly cut the deficit to 14-10 on its next possession, but Emmendorfer's field goal attempt fell just inches short in the waning seconds of the third quarter.

Central, which had just 56 yards rushing on 32 attempts in the game, failed to mount a serious drive in the fourth quarter. Graves County iced the game on a 35-yard field goal by John Greshem with 5:00 left.

Although Cape Central outgained Graves County 108 yards to 63 in the first half, the Tigers didn't enter Eagle territory until the final minute of the second quarter.

Conversely, Graves County lived in Tiger territory most of the half, enjoying an overwhelming advantage in field position. While Cape Central's best starting point was its own 35, Graves County began three drives inside the Tiger 35, including its second scoring drive which started at the Tiger 3.

Central's six first-half possessions resulted in four punts and two interceptions.

Graves County opened the scoring on its second possession when it returned a Brad Neels punt to the Cape Central 33. The Eagles capitalized on the opportunity as Jared Thompson rushed in from 12 yards out with 10 seconds left in the opening quarter. Gresham added the extra point for a 7-0 Graves County lead.

After the Tiger defense forced the Eagles to punt on their next two possessions, Graves County's Travis Brown intercepted a Dunaway pass at the Cape Central 38 and returned it to the 3. Two plays later Thompson scored from the 2 with 2:01 left in the half. Gresham added the PAT for a 14-0 lead.

Prep Football

Friday's Results

Graves Co., Ky. 17, Cape Central 7

Jackson 49, Beaumont 6

Scott City 28, Chaffee 0

St. Vincent 31, Crystal City 0

Fredericktown 41, Valle 20

Malden 41, Charleston 32

Poplar Bluff 51, Springfield Kickapoo 50

Sikeston 28, Alton, Ill. 21

New Madrid 52, Caruthersville 7

Kennett 20, Portageville 6

Dexter 46, East Prairie 0

Hayti 26, Thayer 20, 2 OT

Nashville 57, Anna-Jonesboro 21

Christopher 52, Cairo 0

Today's Game

Brentwood at Perryville, 1:30 p.m.