TIGERS TO FACE BLUFF'S HIGH-OCTANE MULES

If you're a Cape Central fan looking for some hope heading into the Tigers' game at Poplar Bluff tonight (7:30 kickoff) here it is.

In its last four games, Central has allowed 89 points.

In that same span the Mules, the preseason favorite to win the Class 5A, District 1, have allowed 123.

If there is a hope for Central (1-6) against the defending district champs, it is that the Mules (6-1) haven't been, well, stubborn on defense this year."They have been scored on and I think that's a concern for them," said Central coach Lawrence Brookins, who earned his first win as head coach last week when the Tigers gunned down St. Charles West 27-8.

But while Poplar Bluff's defense has been somewhat susceptible, the Mules offense is a different story.

The Mules likely have the most potent and balanced offense of any team in Southeast Missouri and that offense, which combines an effective running and passing game, has lifted the Mules to its 6-1 record."They do a little bit of everything on offense," Brookins said. "They have a couple of receivers who can really catch and make plays after the catch. They've got a good tailback and a fullback that plays hard."Poplar Bluff's quarterback, Stan Revelle, is by far the leading quarterback in the region with 1,245 yards on the season. He has completed 84 of 146 pass attempts (58 percent) with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Revelle had more than 400 yards alone in an unbelievable come-from-behind 51-50 win over Springfield-Kickapoo.

As good as Poplar Bluff's passing game is, though, it isn't nearly as effective without a running game.

The Mules are highly dependent on tailback Lonnie Lewis who has rushed for 891 yards on 90 carries (9.9 yard average). When his game is on, so is Poplar Bluff's passing game."If they get their running game going, they can make you look silly with their play action," Brookins said. "They're a good offensive team and they can score with anybody."So Central will try to contain the run, especially early tonight.

Aside from that, the Tigers will simply try to play keep away."The best defense will be a good offense," Brookins said.

Speaking of offense, Central is coming off by far its best offensive production of the year. Last week, Jamelle Austin rumbled for 214 yards on 32 carries and Central amassed a season-high 291 yards on the ground and 324 yards overall."This week, we'll have to play four quarters. We can't get tired and let little dings get to us. We have to have our running and passing games going."