Perfecting the craft

Mitch Craft took his first game snap as a sophomore when the Tigers opened their varsity schedule against St. Charles West.

Under the reins of Craft, the Tigers won 25 games in his three years at starting quarterback, made the state playoffs each year and the quarterfinals twice. Central's 25 wins in Craft's three-year tenure was Central's most successful three-year period since the Tigers won 26 games between 1977 and 1979.

This season Craft, a senior, threw for more than 2,000 yards, rushed for more than 450 yards and helped lead the Tigers to their fourth straight district title. Craft's strong numbers and winning history helped make him this year's Southeast Missourian Player of the Year.

Central's past three seasons could have turned out quite a bit different if Craft had stayed at the position he had played his whole life.

"When I was younger I always thought I'd go to high school and play running back," Craft said.

Craft lined up at running back even through junior high, but Central's coaches had other plans for him. Coach Lawrence Brookins said his staff recognized right away the kind of athlete Craft was and decided to make the position switch.

"We thought he had what it took to be a decent quarterback prospect," Brookins said.

An injury kept Craft out his freshman year, but in the fall of 2001 Craft won the starting quarterback job. While at times Craft may have been over his head during that sophomore season, he continued to improve.

"The sophomore season was his first real snaps at quarterback," Brookins said. "He improved at the position in leaps and bounds."

Craft's athletic ability allowed him overcome youth and inexperience. Central did not miss a beat with its young quarterback and made its second of three consecutive quarterfinal appearances that season.

"It helped that I was 6-foot-2, 6-3, a big-frame guy who can run with it some and with my arm make big plays," Craft said.

Craft's junior campaign saw the Tigers win 10 games for the first time in 24 years and make another quarterfinal appearance. This season Craft helped the Tigers overcome early offensive struggles to make the sectional round again.

"All three years," Craft said, "I've had what I thought were great supporting casts."

Now that Craft's high school football career is over, he can start to focus on what could be a much longer future in the game. Craft has been in contact with colleges like Kansas State and Illinois.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he does play college football," Brookins said.

For now Craft will have surgery on an ailing knee, which has caused him pain most of the season. Craft's knee was just one of many ailments he had to overcome his final year in pads.

"This kid is tougher than people give him credit for," Brookins said.

Craft's high school sports career isn't over quite yet though. He'll be ready for baseball in the spring.

"I guess the goal right now," he said, "is to kind of be a typical 18-year-old for a while."

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171