Tigers roar into showdown

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- The Cape Central Tigers scored 48 points for the first time in four years Friday night, ripping Perryville 48-14 to remain perfect in Class 4A, District 1 competition.

With Farmington's 37-31 win over Sikeston, the stage is set for a Central-Farmington district championship game Thursday at Houck Stadium.

The last time the Tigers scored 48 points was on Oct. 17, 1997 against Roosevelt.

And Central did it in all sorts of ways.

Monroe Hicks caught back-to-back touchdown passes from quarterback Mitch Craft in the first quarter, Marcus Klund ran for three scores, Craft sneaked home a touchdown and speedy backup tailback Lantez Bell scored late. On defense, middle linebacker Jeremiah Dukes returned a fumble about 30 yards for a score.

Craft probably had the best night, offensively, completing nine of 11 passes for 128 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, while rushing for 42 yards on six carries. He did most of his damage in the first half.

"We're working hard," Craft said. "And our intensity level has been up. I'm learning every day."

His first touchdown completion capped a 68-yard drive when he hooked up with Hicks from 10 yards out.

Perryville fumbled on the ensuing kickoff and Central recovered at the 21.

On the next play, Craft lofted a pass between two defenders and Hicks laid out for a diving touchdown grab.

Dukes' fumble return put the Tigers ahead 21-0 with 10:03 to go in the second quarter and Central went ahead 28-0 on its next possession on Craft's 1-yard sneak.

Even down 28-0, Perryville never gave up.

With less than a minute left in the first half, Andrew Meyr connected with sophomore receiver Kyle Dobbelare for a 44-yard touchdown pass. Dobbelare bounced off two Central defenders at the 20.

"We had too many missed tackles," Brookins said. "We work on tackling as much as anyone in the state. I don't know what it is."

Dobbelare also caught Perryville's other touchdown, a 31-yard catch.

Klund pretty much took over in the second half, scoring on runs of 9, 3 and 34 yards. He ended up with 72 yards on 14 carries. Bell led Central with 77 yards on five carries.