Tigers suffer OT loss to Graves Co.

MAYFIELD, Ky. -- The Cape Girardeau Central Tigers might not want to schedule the Graves County (Ky.) Eagles in the future.

Central lost to Graves County for the third year in a row as the Eagles handed the visiting Tigers a 13-7 overtime setback Friday night.

Central fell to 2-3 with its second straight loss while Graves County improved to 2-4 as it broke a four-game losing streak.

Regulation play ended in a 7-7 tie. In overtime, each team would get equal possessions from the opponent's 10-yard line until the deadlock was broken.

The Tigers had possession first but could only advance seven yards in three downs. On fourth down, Chris Jones was wide on a 21-yard field-goal attempt.

Then it was the Eagles' turn and they quickly ended things. After Graves County picked up nine yards in two plays, quarterback Sam Brown went over from one yard out for the game-winning touchdown.

After a scoreless first half -- both squads wasted two golden scoring opportunities that reached deep into opposition territory -- Central broke on top on the opening drive of the third quarter.

A 63-yard pass from quarterback Mitch Craft to Marcus Klund moved the ball to the Graves County 7. On third and goal, Jeremiah Dukes scored on a 3-yard run and Jones kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead with 9:01 left in the period.

After Central's defense held, the Tigers drove to near the Eagles' 30 but fumbled and Graves County recovered.

The Eagles then drove for the tying touchdown which came on a 42-yard pass from Brown to Nathan Parchman. Paul Wilkerson's PAT made it 7-7 with 2:59 left in the third quarter.

Midway through the fourth quarter, the Tigers drove inside the Graves County 15 but another fumble was recovered by the Eagles.

Then it was the Eagles' turn to waste a prime opportunity for a winning score. Graves County moved to inside the Central 10 in the closing moments of regulation, but Wilkerson's 24-yard field goal attempt was partially blocked.

So it was on to overtime, where the Eagles finally prevailed.

Craft unofficially passed for more than 275 yards to lead the Tigers' offense.

Central will host arch-rival Jackson next Friday night.