Tigers' 'D' will try to slow down the flying Mules

Poplar Bluff passes the ball better than any team in Southeast Missouri.

Cape Central defends the pass as well as any team in Southeast Missouri.

Those two components could make for an interesting game tonight when the Mules (3-0) and Tigers (2-1) hook up at 7:30 in Poplar Bluff.

The Mules' pass-happy offense has gotten the better of the matchup in recent years. Last year, Poplar Bluff defeated Central 21-7. In 1999, the Mules won 42-13.

But Poplar Bluff coach Mark Barousse -- whose team has beaten up on some less-than-stellar competition thus far -- isn't taking the Tigers lightly.

"We know they've got a very good football team," he said.

Poplar Bluff, which has won every football game against Cape Central since a 40-26 loss in 1994, has to be considered the favorite because of history, both recent and long term.

The Mules crushed Blytheville, Ark., 37-12 in Week 2, while Central had to stop a 2-point conversion on the last play of the game to beat the same team 20-19.

"Different people match up differently," Barousse said. "Last year, we squeaked by Blytheville and they (Cape) crushed them."

Sizing up personnel

Central coach Lawrence Brookins admits it's a difficult task preparing for the Mules. Bluff uses more formations than any other team in the area.

But it's not just alignment that causes Brookins concern. The Mules have good, if not great, speed at all their skill positions.

Headlining that group is Brent Little, a speedy wide receiver who has caught nine passes for 278 yards. That's 30.1 yards per catch. Fellow wide out Tony Webb is not far behind with seven catches and 199 yards (28.4 yards per reception).

Quarterback Michael Crunk is the area's leading passer. Though he's not as adept as last year's QB Stan Revelle, Crunk is more than capable. He thrown for 582 yards and seven touchdowns.

However, the Tigers possess a talented defensive backfield.

Strong safety Monroe Hicks has three interceptions in three games and Marcus Klund has two.

"They're very athletic in the secondary," Barousse said. "Hicks is a great athlete. Marland Heard matched up well with us man-to-man last year and Klund is a super smart player. He's a great addition to their team. It'll be interesting."

Last year, Poplar Bluff burned the Tigers on one long pass play, but most of its success came on flare passes to the running backs.

Brookins hopes to negate some of the Mules' passing confidence by disrupting play at the line of scrimmage.

"An equalizer for us may be pressure," Brookins said. "We want to get to the quarterback. We can't get many sacks if they go to a three-step drop, but we can get our hands up and make it hard for the quarterback to see."

The possible return of defensive tackle Justin Wells could be a lift for the Tigers, but he is still questionable and not slated to start.

Poplar Bluff normally sets up the run with the pass, but the Mules have two good runners to keep teams honest.

Bob Larkins (6-0, 195 pounds) has rushed for 274 yards on 25 carries this year, while Maurice Moss (5-9, 174 pounds) is a bit faster and provides a big-play threat.