Tigers get fresh start, flash some teeth

~ Central debuts with crisp scrimmage following winless season

FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Zach Boerboom put an exclamation point on an impressive jamboree performance by the Central football team.

Two Cardinal Ritter defenders might still be feeling the pain today.

Boerboom, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound senior tight end, ran over the pair of Cardinal Ritter players at about the 15-yard line and rambled into the end zone.

That completed a 40-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Christian Cavaness, which came toward the end of Friday night's four-team session at Farmington High School.

Central quarterback Christian Cavaness rolls out to pass during Friday's scrimmage against Poplar Bluff in Farmington, Mo.

"It felt really good," said a smiling Boerboom. "I felt the offseason weight training right there."

Boerboom was not alone in feeling good as the Tigers were jacked up one week before they open the season Friday at home against New Madrid County Central.

The Tigers believe they are ready to make major amends after last year's 0-10 record that followed a 1-9 mark in 2008.

"We've just got to keep working hard in practice, but we've got a good feeling," senior lineman Christopher Bird said.

Central coach Rich Payne also has a good feeling, but he realizes what transpired Friday was simply a scrimmage.

Central senior tight end Zach Boerboom runs into the end zone as Cardinal Ritter 's John Edwards pursues him during Friday's jamboree at Farmington High School in Farmington, Mo. (Kristin Eberts)

Still, the Tigers looked sharp during the competition that featured 12 plays for each squad, starting from either the opponents' 35- or 40-yard-line.

Central had a 4-1 advantage in touchdowns and about a 250-95 edge in total yardage while going up against Poplar Bluff, St. Clair and Cardinal Ritter.

The Tigers outscored both Poplar Bluff and Cardinal Ritter 2-0. St. Clair outscored Central 1-0, with the Tigers having a touchdown wiped out by penalty.

"I thought they played well, and I thought our effort was exceptional," Payne said. "We had big plays, we did a lot of good things. I'm pleased. But we treat it as a practice. Now we have to get ready for New Madrid."

Central displayed its speed by ripping off eight plays of at least 14 yards on Farmington's artificial surface.

The Tigers' offense averaged nearly seven yards per play while their defense held the opposition to less than three yards per snap.

"We did real good on both sides of the ball," hard-hitting senior defensive end Devin Rowett said. "We need to bring this to the first game."

Starting against Poplar Bluff, Central's defense first stymied the Mules, then the Tigers' offense put up two touchdowns.

Senior Keilon Moore dragged tacklers into the end zone on a 4-yard run. Senior Jaeson Reddin broke off a 35-yard run.

"I had some good blocks," Reddin said.

After Central and St. Clair played fairly even, the Tigers got the better of Cardinal Ritter.

Senior Michael Reeder scored on a 5-yard run and Boerboom's 40-yard TD reception finished things off.

Cavaness was sharp in completing 5 of 7 passes for 82 yards. Boerboom had two receptions for 57 yards.

Moore gained 55 yards on five carries. Senior James Poindexter had 38 yards on just three attempts. Reeder and junior Deonte Jenkins also had nice runs.

"Everybody looked real good," Reddin said.

The Tigers hope they continue looking good all year as they try to make 0-10 a distant memory.

"It's a new season, a new day," Reddin said. "You play like you practice, and we've been practicing real hard."