CHICKS HEAD OFF TIGER UPSET BID

BLYTHEVILLE -- For one half Cape Girardeau Central seemed to depart from its 1999 plight Friday night.

The Tigers held their first lead of the season at halftime against Blytheville, but saw the Chickasaws explode for 25 points in the third quarter en route to a 39-17 victory.

Central, which led 17-6 at one point, took a 17-14 lead into halftime before Blytheville erupted.

Blytheville (2-1) rushed for 276 yards in the third quarter alone and finished the night with 448 yards on the ground.

Cape Central (0-3), which lost its first two games by a combined 75-14 score, showed signs of life on offense. The Tigers scored their two offensive touchdowns of the season in the first half and finished the night with 223 yards total offense.

However, Blytheville also demonstrated an ability to move the ball. James Miller finished with 162 yards rushing on 14 carries and scored two touchdowns. Jason Dillard added 146 yards rushing on eight carries and scored three touchdowns.

Blytheville scored four touchdowns in the third quarter as a Tiger lead turned into a Chickasaw runaway.

Jason Dillard handed Blytheville its first lead of the game early in the third quarter on a double reverse, scoring from 34 yards out. Miller's PAT gave the Chickasaws a 21-17 lead.

Central fumbled on its ensuing possession at the Blytheville 36. The Chickasaws took advantage as Dillard capped a quick drive with a 27-yard TD run. The PAT was blocked but Blytheville led 27-17.

The Chickasaws tacked on a 71-yard TD run by Dillard with 3:41 left in the third quarter and Jonathan Mayes capped Blytheville's scoring with a 54-yard run with 41 seconds left in the period.

Central had taken a 7-0 lead in the first period as Jamelle Austin scored on a third-and-21 play at the Blytheville 26. Brian Emmendorfer added the extra point.

Blytheville quickly trimmed the lead to 7-6 with as Miller busted loose for a 63-yard run on the Chickasaws' ensuing possession.

Central extended the lead to 17-6 on a 37-yard field goal by Emmendorfer and a 6-yard play-action pass from Jeff Dunaway to Corey Lewis.

Blytheville then began its 33-0 spurt on a Miller 1-yard run with three minutes left in the first half. A two-point conversion pass trimmed the lead to 17-14 at halftime.

Friday's Results

Blytheville (Ark.) 39, Cape Central 17

Jackson 30, Perryville 13

Scott City 56, East Prairie 0

Piggott (Ark.) 50, Chaffee 28

St. Vincent 36, Park Hills 6

Fredericktown 15, Ste. Genevieve 12

Charleston 12, Caruthersville 6, OT

Sikeston 42, Dexter 32

Jackson (Tenn.) 14, Poplar Bluff 7

New Madrid 54, Malden 13

Kennett 42, Pocahontas (Ark.) 38

Gosnell (Ark.) 41, Hayti 18

Fulton Co. (Ky.) 22, Portageville 15

Anna-Jonesboro 35, Pinckeyville 34, OT

McLeansboro 48, Cairo 16