TIGERS WANT TO ADDRESS HOME SKID IN OPENER

It hangs over their heads heavier than the saturated, oven-baked air.

For the Cape Central Tigers, they would like to see their home losing streak vanish even more than the 100-degree weather. And that's saying something.

Cape Central hasn't won at home since Nov. 7, 1997. That's a span of 11 games.

But Cape Central appears to have a good shot at snapping that skid tonight when it takes on St. Charles West, the only team it defeated last year.

"This is a very big game because we haven't won a home game in two years," said Cape Central senior linebacker/guard Casey Dwyre. "But we're most definitely going to."

"It's eating at the kids more than it is the coaches," said coach Lawrence Brookins of the home losing streak. "They've talked all summer how important this game is. Will it be easy? No."

Cape Central knocked off St. Charles West 27-8 in its seventh game of the season last year. That game was memorable for a couple reasons.

First, it was the game which Brian Emmendorfer nailed a 58-yard field goal, second longest in state history. It was also a breakout game for tailback Jamelle Austin, who rushed for more than 200 yards.

But Central is by no means thinking that this game will be a walk in the park.

"That was last year and we can't worry about that," Dwyre said. "They've got a better team and a different offense."

St. Charles went 3-7 a year ago.

The Warriors will run a wishbone attack, led by quarterback Joe Orlando who was the team's halfback a year ago.

"I believe after watching video tape of their jamboree, that they're more athletic this year, particularly in the backfield," said Brookins.

Warriors coach Gary Strauss concurred with Brookins' assessment.

"I would think so," said Strauss. "We have better skill-position players and we're a little deeper. I think we should match up evenly. They got a couple of good backs it looked like on film. They throw the ball quite a bit and that's something we've had to prepare for. Their kicker is fantastic. And, on defense, I like the way their linebackers play. They're very aggressive."

One of those aggressive linebackers is O.J. Turner (6-0, 200), who had a couple of crushing hits in last Friday's jamboree.

Turner is ready to make a couple more of those tonight.

"We're trying to set the tone for the rest of the season," Turner said. "We're not big-headed or anything (since we beat them last year). But we've prepared enough and now it's time to let it all out."

For Cape Central, several players who looked to be backups one or two weeks ago have impressed the coaching staff and have earned starting spots.

On defense, the line has seen the most change. Junior Shannon Mungle (5-foot-10, 210 pounds) has earned a starting spot at nose guard, while sophomore Chris Smith (6-0, 300) will start at tackle and sophomore Adrian Wren (5-9, 224) will start at defensive end opposite of Justin Welker (6-1, 205), who started since his sophomore year.

"Some of these guys have really come on in the last week or so," said Brookins. "We've tried to position things to create more competition in-house. We're trying to combat complacency."

Joining linebackers Turner and Casey Dwyre (6-1, 203) will be senior Robert Randolph (5-9, 165), a new face in the starting unit.

Two sophomores will start in the secondary, including Jeremiah Dukes (6-0, 180) at strong safety and Monroe Hicks ((5-8, 165) at free safety.

"They may make some sophomore mistakes, but they'll make them at 100 miles per hour," said Brookins.

Also starting in the secondary will be Emmendorfer (5-10, 170), who will start in place of Zac Fidler. Fidler, according to Brookins, was doubtful to play tonight after suffering a knee injury. He said Fidler should be ready next week. At the other corner will be senior Ricky Ogles (5-11, 155).

On offense, senior Eric Niswonger (6-3, 215) will start at center. Octavius Moore (5-11, 200, sr.) and junior Justin Wells (5-11, 245) will start at the guards and Nathaniel Brink (6-4, 280, sr.) and Jason Beard (6-0, 210) will anchor down the tackle spots.

Jeff Dunaway (5-9, 170) will get the nod at quarterback, while Turner and Austin will start in the backfield. Welker will start at tight end and J.P. Limbaugh will start at wide receiver and Emmendorfer will start at flanker.

NOTES: Because of construction, fans will not be able to park near the end zone at Houck Stadium for tonight's game. ... Emmendorfer dislocated a finger at practice Thursday, but he should be ready to play.

Home sweet home?

Cape Central's last 11 home games

1999 (1-9 overall)

Nov. 5 -- 36-10 loss to Jackson

Oct. 29 -- 20-0 loss to Vianney

Oct. 8 -- 47-27 loss to Sikeston

Sept. 24 -- 17-6 loss to Oakville

Sept. 10 -- 34-7 loss to New Madrid

1998

Nov. 6 -- 28-27 loss to Poplar Bluff (3OT)

Oct. 16 -- 9-7 loss to St. Charles West

Oct. 2 -- 23-20 loss to Belleville-Althoff (OT)

Sept. 25 -- 35-28 loss to Oakville

Sept. 18 -- 18-12 loss to Blytheville, Ark.

Sept. 4 -- 47-39 loss to Columbia Hickman