TIGERS SHARPEN CLAWS FOR OPENER

On the practice field, Cape Central's football coaches are rarely satisfied.

They find the kid with the chin strap not buckled.

They get on to the kid who can't remember the play and discipline the kid who was late for practice.

They find all the flaws that coaches are supposed to find.

But away from the practice field, these same coaches have a little hop in their step. Their smiles are a little wider than they were last year.

There's high expectations in Tiger country.

"I'm optimistic," said Central head coach Lawrence Brookins. "But it's guarded optimism."

The main reason for the optimism is the team's speed. The Tigers are more athletic than they've been the last few years, including last year when they went 7-5 en route to a 4A quarterfinal appearance.

But there are still question marks for this year's team which will rely heavily on some young players. Those questions will begin to yield answers when Central's season starts at 7:30 tonight at St. Charles West.

Craft to start

One question has already been answered: sophomore Mitch Craft will get the start at quarterback.

Craft (6-2, 190) and junior Jay Ruark (5-10, 166) battled all summer for the starting spot. Brookins said they graded out equally at the jamboree and Craft got the nod because he's bigger and has more speed.

Brookins said both will play tonight.

Justin Wells, who had an impressive jamboree last Friday, will not play tonight after suffering a knee injury.

Wells was projected to start at center and defensive tackle. He had his knee scoped and could be back as soon as next week, but that is doubtful, Brookins said.

Shannon Mungle (5-9, 207) will start in his place on both sides of the ball.

St. Charles West

St. Charles West coach Gary Strauss figures his squad will be much better than the team Central smoked 35-0 last year.

The Warriors lost their first five games of the year last year, but recovered late to go 4-6. Strauss brought up some talented sophomores from the junior varsity to help salvage the season.

Their entire backfield consists of juniors, including halfbacks Zach Garrison, Tyrell Jones and E.J. Slaghter. Slaughter didn't play in the jamboree last week because of an injury.

"We're definitely better at the skill positions," Strauss said. "We were really hurting there last year; we only had one guy with speed. We have more big-play ability this year which puts more pressure on the defense."

Last year's game

Though Central blew out the Warriors last year, the score was just 7-0 at halftime and 14-0 going into the fourth quarter.

Brookins believes the Tigers simply wore down the Warriors last year. Both expect a tighter game this time.

"They've had our number the last couple of years," Strauss said. "I think we can come out on top and I'm sure coach Brookins thinks they can come out on top. It'll be a heck of a game for both schools."

Today's Games

(7:30 p.m. kickoffs)

Cape Central at St. Charles West (7 p.m.)

Jackson at Sikeston

Dexter at Poplar Bluff

Scott City at Malden

Grandview at Chaffee

Hayti at East Prairie

Gosnell, Ark. at Portageville

Charleston at Kennett

Blytheville, Ark. at New Madrid

Car'ville at Anna-Jonesboro, Ill.

Perryville at Waynesville

Park Hills at St. Vincent (7 p.m.)

Fred'town at Crystal City (7 p.m.)

Elverado, Ill. at Cairo, Ill.