N. Madrid to play in 3A semis

Southeast Missouri News Service

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Two of the top four teams in Missouri Class 3A will collide today when Salem travels to New Madrid County Central for a semifinal showdown at 1:30 p.m. Both teams are 11-1.

Salem brings a solid postseason tradition, having reached the final four the last four seasons. The Tigers finished as 3A runner-up last year.

Running the triple option out of a Wishbone set, the Tigers have gained 4,121 yards and scored 51 touchdowns, beating their opponents by an average score of 33 to 9 this year.

"We're just happy to be where we're at," said Salem coach Bill Schuchardt. "We've over-lived our expectations of what we thought the season would be. Our kids are playing real solid and real hard together."

For NMCC, this level of the playoffs is a first. Still, head coach Steve Rogers feels his team belongs. The Eagles are hoping to replace Salem in the state championship game.

"These guys have worked hard since August to get where they're at right now," he explained. "If we can cut down on mistakes and take care of the football, we're going to be in the ballgame. We haven't been embarrassed all year."

The Eagles' top priority is containing Salem fullback Joe Harris. The 6-foot-1, 229-pound junior has rushed for 1,250 yards, averaging 6.6 yards per carry.

NMCC has been led by running back Dereke Tipler, who has gained 1,952 yards and scored 30 touchdowns while averaging 10.1 yards per carry.Tipler is the school's career leader in rushing yards (3,615) and touchdowns (58).

Quarterback Brian Murph has also put up gaudy stats, passing for 1,034 yards while rushing for 637. And the Eagles' have plenty of other weapons around Tipler and Murph.