TIGERS READY FOR OPENING KNIGHT; CAPE CENTRAL VISITS FARMINGTON TONIGHT

After competing in the their first-ever Football Jamboree last week at Sikeston, Cape Girardeau Central coach Jerry Dement said his team wasn't quite ready for a game.

But with a solid week of practice under their belt, Dement declared the Tigers will be ready to open the season on the road tonight against the Farmington Knights at 7:30 p.m.

"We're ready to go; we're excited," said Dement. "After (Thursday's) practice, we'll be ready for a game."

Dement's voice was crackling with excitement as he talked about the opening of the season. Last year at Houck Field, the Tigers opened the season with a 30-7 win over the Knights. Central ended up 6-4 on the year, while Farmington suffered through a 2-8 season.

"We never base this year on last year," Dement said, downplaying the Tigers' easy victory last year. "We've got some confidence entering this season, but we're not overconfident."

In last year's game, Central racked up twice as much yardage as Farmington, gaining over 300 yards of total offense. Tiger running back Justin Blackmon ran for 116 yards, scored a touchdown and will be back again this year in his senior season.

Two players that won't be back for the Tigers due to injuries are starting offensive linemen Jody Wells and Craig Knoth. Both were injured in practice this week. Senior Greg Craft replaces Wells and Ben Lowrance will take over for Knoth. Senior Jeff Michel will also see action on the line.

Farmington appears to be healthy, but the Knights have other problems to worry about. Namely inexperience and lack of speed to match up with the Tigers.

"That's what we're looking at right now," said fifth-year Farmington coach Mike Thebeau. "We're scared of their speed."

Farmington hosted a Jamboree against Fox, Charleston and De Soto last Friday and didn't look particularly good. The Knights had trouble keeping pace with Charleston's speed and Fox moved the ball at will against Farmington's defense.

"We made a lot of mistakes in the first scrimmage, but we gradually played better as the night went on," Thebeau said.

Senior Jeremy Lynn (6-5, 235) anchors the Knights' offensive and defensive lines. Thebeau said Lynn's been getting a lot of attention from Division I-A recruiters.

Senior Gabe Hensley returns at fullback and linebacker, but the Knights look to be a very inexperienced team. Thebeau's son, junior Mike Thebeau, will start at quarterback. He saw action in last year's opener after an injury to starter Clint Thebeau.

"We hope to me more aggressive and we hope to be able to run the football," said the Farmington coach.

And the Tigers hope to start the season off just like they did last year.