Three keys to Cape Central’s road battle with Eureka

For the second consecutive year, the Cape Central Tigers will hit the road for the Class 5 state quarterfinals.

A season ago the Tigers defeated MICDS 14-10 to advance to the state semifinals, now the Tigers look to do the same as they play a Eureka squad that just took down previously undefeated Rockwood Summit in the district title game.

After starting the season 2-3, the Tigers haven’t lost.

They stand at 9-3 overall, and perhaps the driving force in the seven-game winning streak has been the Tigers defense.

They have allowed just 57 points in the last seven games, setting them up with confidence heading into Saturday’s clash with Eureka.

The defense won’t be the only aspect that needs to be clicking for the Tigers to walk away with a win.

Here are three keys as the Tigers prepare for a 1 p.m. showdown on Saturday, Nov. 18.

__1. Fast start__

Throughout the Tigers’ run through districts they won the coin toss all three times and elected to receive all three times.

Aside from the game against Farmington, the Tigers opened with scores on their opening possessions, giving them early momentum.

Now, that was at home. The emphasis on a fast start is magnified more than ever as they head into a hostile environment.

It will be crucial for the Tigers to take the crowd out of it early, and they have the personnel for it.

Week after week, the Tigers running back duo of Zai’Aire Thomas and KeyShawn Boyd have worn down opposing defenses, which has translated to wins.

__2. Extending Drives__

If the Tigers do get out to a fast start and gain momentum, a big part in keeping that momentum will be extending drives in third down situations.

Over the last few weeks, Cape Central has shown the ability to pass the ball around through quarterback Jathan Spain.

Spain will be an X-Factor in this one for the Tigers as he has come up with many big throws for the Tigers this season.

The Tigers may need Spain in a key third down to complete a pass to keep a drive alive, and it’s something he’s shown he can do.

__3. Special Teams__

The Tigers’ special teams have been impressive all season long.

The driving force in that has been freshman kicker Joey Charlton.

Charlton has missed just one extra point on the year and is consistently kicking the ball out of the end zone for a touchback on kickoffs.

Last week against Farmington, Charlton got the chance to show off his leg as he drilled a 40-yard field goal to end the half.

Having that in your arsenal is something that can be a difference maker for Cape Central.

Charlton’s presence not only makes life tough on the oppositions returners but also the opposing coaching staff with his ability to drill kicks from 40 yards.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Charlton is given an opportunity in a big spot to post three points on the board for the Tigers.