TIGERS FINALLY CAGE FIRST VICTORY

ST. CHARLES -- Sparked by a huge rushing performance from Jamelle Austin and a mammoth field goal from Brian Emmendorfer, Cape Girardeau Central High's football team finally broke into the win column Friday night.

Austin rambled for 214 yards on 32 carries and the strong-footed Emmendorfer boomed a 58-yard field goal to go along with a 41-yarder as the Tigers rolled past host St. Charles West 27-8.

The Tigers, giving first-year head coach Lawrence Brookins his initial victory at Central, improved to 1-6. St. Charles West is also now 1-6.

O.J. Turner rushed for 73 yards on 12 carries as Central amassed a season-high 291 yards on the ground and a season-best 324 yards in all.

St. Charles West was limited to 200 total yards, 140 coming on the ground -- and 74 coming on one play.

Central broke on top just five minutes into the game when Austin scored on a 10-yard run to cap a 50-yard, seven-play drive. Emmendorfer's conversion kick made it 7-0.

Less than four minutes later, Turner scored from three yards out and Emmendorfer converted for a 14-0 lead. That score capped a 58-yard, five-play drive.

Late in the first quarter, Emmendorfer boomed home his 58-yard field goal to put the Tigers up 17-0.

The Tigers made it 24-0 on the final play of the opening half when Jeff Dunaway scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak and Emmendorfer converted.

Central closed out its scoring in the third quarter when Emmendorfer booted a 41-yard field goal to make it 27-0.

St. Charles West finally broke the shutout in the third period as Joe Orlando broke loose for a 74-yard touchdown run. The Warriors added the two-point conversion but they would not score again.

The Tigers will open Class 5A, District 1 play next Friday night when they travel to defending district champion Poplar Bluff.

PREP RESULTS

Friday's Games

Cape Central 27, St. Charles West 8

Jackson 55, Soldan 0

New Madrid 35, Sikeston 16

Scott City 38, Hayti 0

Malden 19, Chaffee 12

Kennett 41, East Prairie 7

Dexter 42, Caruthersville 13

St. Vincent 61, Grandview 13

North County 41, Fredericktown 21

DuQuoin 41, Anna-Jonesboro 21

Johnston City 50, Cairo 0

Today's Games

Perryville at John Burroughs, 2 p.m.

Portageville at Mt. View Liberty, 3 p.m.

Poplar Bluff at Belleville, Althoff, Ill., 7:30 p.m.