STRUGGLING CAPE CENTRAL BRACES FOR A TIGER FIGHT

While the state and much of the Midwest has been suffering from a drought, Cape Girardeau Central's football team has been drenched for 114 points in three games so far and has yet to come within 22 points of winning.

The Tigers (0-3) figure to plug the spiraling season tonight when they host Oakville, a squad which doesn't look to be the caliber of team that Central has faced in its first three games. The kickoff is at 7:30 at Houck Stadium.

Oakville won last week 24-17 over Seckman, but Seckman is a second-year program. The previous week, Oakville was toasted 64-7 by University City. In Week 1, Oakville's Tigers lost 42-20 to Parkway North.

Central, meanwhile, is coming off its best game of the year -- a 39-17 loss to Blytheville, Ark., in a game where the Tigers led 17-6 at one point.

The game, more than anything, was a game of discovery for Central. Coach Lawrence Brookins and his team had to fill in some holes after six players left the squad the week before.

"We found out (former tight end) Justin Welker might be a good fullback," Brookins said. "We had three tight ends who are about the same and they all need to be on the field. Corey Lewis caught his first touchdown pass, ever. So after all the bad happened, some good has come about and that's what I knew was going to happen.

"Jamelle (Austin) played hard. Jamelle (who was making his first start at tailback) had some plays where he had his head darn near ripped off and he shook it off and redirected. He did a good job most of the night. He's got some speed."

Though Brookins acknowledged last Friday night's loss was disappointing, he thinks the team has a lot to build on.

"Generally, I was proud of the team. We had a really rough week last week," Brookins said. "We were getting hit from all sides and had to deal with a lot of stuff. And they weathered the storm very well."

Brookins said Central -- which led 17-14 at halftime -- had problems last week with some alignments and playing a complete game.

"We came out tough in the second half, but for some reason we did not sustain our assignments," he said. "Our effort was there, but we were terrible in our assignments and alignments.

"I don't think its a communication problem, but for some reason we just weren't lining up right. But that I can fix. We just need to play four nasty, solid until-the-whistle-blows quarters. There is a difference between being winded and tired and a lot of our kids are still learning the difference."

Oakville, meanwhile, is probably the weakest team on Central's schedule to this point. It is the only team the Tigers have faced with a losing record.

"They don't have near the team speed that Blytheville had," Brookins said. "They do have size, but size will be a problem for us all year. About everybody we go against will be a little bit bigger than we are."

Oakville has a triple-threat at running back, though only two play at a time.

Oakville coach Jerry Maulin said Scott Weise and Greg Bridges have both had 100-yard games this year, but reserve Matt Coonley is just about as good.

But Maulin was particularly high on his quarterback, Blair Biehlhe.

"He's not that big, but he's just a great leader," Maulin said. "He's intelligent and what I would consider to be a good all-around quarterback. He can run and pass and he inspires people."

"Their quarterback has the range and the arm if he has time," Brookins said. "But I think our offense and defense has a good chance to be successful. I think we'll be able to pass on them -- not just when we have to, but whenever we want. And I think we'll be able to run against them. We just don't want to stop ourself."

Special teams could play a key role tonight.

Oakville's special teams have been suspect, giving up two punt returns for touchdowns to U. City and three in all this year. Last year, Central scored two touchdowns on kickoff returns against Oakville.

On the other hand, special teams have been Central's strong suit. Brookins was especially pleased last week with his kicker, Brian Emmendorfer.

Emmendorfer kicked a 38-yard field goal last week and kicked the ball deep in the end zone a couple of times on kickoffs.

"Brian had a heck of a game last week," Brookins said. "He could be a college kicker some day if he wants to be."

Tonight's Games

(7:30 kickoffs)

Oakville at Cape Central

Jackson at Dyersburg, Tenn.

Perryville at Scott City

Chaffee at Portageville

Herculaneum at St. Vincent

Charleston at New Madrid

Sikeston at Poplar Bluff

Malden at Dexter

Kennett at Hayti

Ripley, Tenn. at Caruthersville

Thayer at East Prairie

Sparta at Anna-Jonesboro

Cairo at Eldorado (7 p.m.)

Saturday's Game

Farmington at Fredericktown, 2 p.m.