New cards spotlight area athletes

They don't come with a stick of gum, but makers of a new line of high school football trading cards expect their new cards to sell well just the same.

More than 500 players from 10 Southeast Missouri high schools are featured in new cards that went on sale last week at schools in the area. Joe Bowling and Jeff Brightwell, who first had the idea in June, say the concept will appeal not only to the athletes, but to schools as well. Each school -- usually through booster clubs -- will oversee the sale and distribution of card sets and keep half the profit.

"We wanted it to be something that would give back to the schools and, at the same, it would appeal to fans, athletes and a lot of other people," said Bowling of Cape Girardeau. "We've gotten a good response."

Good enough, he says, that plans for basketball cards already are in the works for 28 high schools. Depending on how sales go for football cards this season, more schools and sports could be added. Smaller packs -- each with 10 cards -- could be added at $1 apiece later.

Central and Jackson are among area schools included in the football card sets this season. Each sells for $10.

"It's a nice way to have a keepsake and give money to the schools," Brightwell said. "How many high-school athletes are able to say they've had their picture on a collectible card?"

-- Jamie Hall