Local teams aiming high as postseason competition begins

Cape Girardeau Central, ranked ninth in the state in Class 4A, and Notre Dame, second-ranked in Class 1A-3A, have enjoyed stellar seasons and both look to go deep into postseason play.

But teams such as Jackson, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston and St. Pius will be working just as hard to gain a shot at playoff glory -- a chance to make a so-so season one to remember.

Cape Central (20-3-1) is, unquestionably, the class of Class 4A, District 1 as the "second" soccer season kicks off.

The No. 1 seed Tigers, winners of 15 straight, have already posted their highest win total since the '94 season when they won 24, with still a chance to surpass that mark. They have a final regular-season game with Jackson today plus postseason play.

The Tigers carry a SEMO Conference-leading 6-1 record into today's matchup against second-seed Jackson.

This game could be a preview of the district final Nov. 2.

The Tigers, the host of the district, appear poised and ready to reclaim the district title that slipped away last season when Poplar Bluff knocked them out with an upset win in the finals.

Cape Central coach Tom Doyle said, "If we work hard and play like we're capable, good things will continue to happen for us."

The Tigers, led by all-state senior striker Jon Mark Thompson with 22 goals, are not a one-man show. They have gotten consistent scoring production from other players, particularly Whit Lynn, Arthur Pilsner, Cody Hill, Heath Orr, Clint Hoffman and Bryan Ross.

Senior goalie Trevor Blattner has been solid, and when he had to sit out a few games due to injury, junior Aaron Meystedt filled in admirably.

Jackson raises level of play

Jackson (12-8), striving to peak at the right time, seems to have raised its level of play recently.

The Indians had been looking for a confidence boost and may have found it in a shutout win over Columbia Rock Bridge last week.

Said Jackson coach Zack Walton, " I think Saturday was a big win for us. We're starting to jell a little bit and come together as a team. Right now, we're playing really well."

Seniors Patrick Kohm and Matt Gordon are expected to provide scoring punch for the Indians, while goalie Austin McDowell should keep them within striking distance.

Third-seeded Poplar Bluff dropped all four regular-season games to the top two seeds, but, as the reigning district champion, will be playing for pride and should not be overlooked.

No. 4 Farmington and No. 5 Hillsboro are not expected to present any problems for the top three.

Class 1A-3A, District 1 (At Notre Dame)

Top-seed Notre Dame (15-4-2) is confident, but certainly not cocky, going into districts.

The Bulldogs, this year's host, remember well last year's close call.

But for a miracle goal with two seconds left, the unpleasant reality of early elimination seemed inevitable.

Facing upset-minded Sikeston in a semifinal game, Notre Dame tallied the late goal to tie at 1-1 and send the match into overtime.

Four overtime periods later, Notre Dame won a shootout to earn the right to advance to the district finals, where the Bulldogs defeated Windsor 3-0 to claim a third straight district title.

"You certainly don't want to look past anyone this time of year," said Notre Dame coach Brad Wittenborn.

Third-seed Sikeston remains a bit of a thorn in the side of Notre Dame this season, as well.

An early season tie with Sikeston prevented Notre Dame (6-1-1) from sharing the conference title with Cape Central at 6-1, assuming the Tigers defeat Jackson in the season finale.

St. Pius X, the No. 2 seed, comes in with a sub-.500 record, but has played a tough schedule. Notre Dame won the only meeting between the two.

"I feel very good about this team," said Wittenborn. "We have a good mix of talented seniors who want to go out with a bang and juniors with a lot of speed."

Seniors Scott Wittenborn, Timmy Wencewicz and Shane Kistner, along with juniors Tyler Cuba and Adam Prasanphanich, are prime contributors to a balanced Bulldog scoring attack.