STUBBORN MULES STAND BETWEEN TIGERS, TITLE

After all the dips and doodles of their unpredictable 1998 football season, the Cape Central Tigers find themselves on the verge of their first district championship in xxx years.

Central must beat Poplar Bluff, or if Jackson beats Vianney in the other Class 5A District 1 game tonight, lose by no more than seven points in order to clinch the District 1 title tonight.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Houck Stadium.

"Obviously, our priority is to get into the playoffs," Central coach Jerry Dement said. "We don't coach but one way, though, and that's to win the football game."

Central is 4-5 overall and 2-0 in District 1 after thumping Jackson 22-6 last Friday at Jackson.

"Obviously, that's a big win, and the kids are excited," Dement said. "But we have to put that in the past."

Poplar Bluff is also 4-5 overall, and has a 1-1 District 1 record after beating Vianney 22-7 last week.

Both teams boast strong passing games. Central's potent pass combo of quarterback Frank McGinty and receiver Chris Allen hooked up six times for 81 yards and a touchdown last week.

Poplar Bluff quarterback Stan Revelle broke the school's single-game yardage record against Columbia Hickman four weeks ago.

"We haven't seen a whole lot of passing this year," Dement said. "But of course, we face that in practice all the time."

Lonnie Lewis is the primary rusher for the Mules. He and Eric Sherman run behind one of the area's better offensive lines.

"That's their strength," Dement said. "But they'll also keep you honest by spreading the field. They're one of the quicker teams we've seen."

Sikeston, which forced eight turnovers and beat Central 47-17 four weeks ago, was also very quick. But according to Dement, that's where the similarity ends.

"They're totally different," Dement said. "Offensively and defensively."

During the first six games of the season, the Central offensive and defensive lines were pushed around. That has not been the case in the last three games, when for the most part, Central dominated the line of scrimmage.

"We've improved," Dement said. "We're just young up front, and we're getting better. The running game is getting on track more and more each week."

The runners have been off the track during practice this week, nursing injuries. DeMarco Williams is bothered by an achy knee and Emmanuel Harris has back spasms and sat out Tuesday's practice.

"They'll be ready to go," Dement said. "They're tough kids who want to play."

The winner of District 1 plays at Kirkwood at 7:30 Wednesday. Kirkwood, one of the St. Louis area's top five teams this season, destroyed its competition while winning District 2.

"We know a little bit about them," Dement said. "But right now, we're putting all our energy into (tonight). Without this game, we won't have to worry about playing anybody else."