TIGERS WILL DIG FOR ANSWERS IN TRENCHES

Cape Central has put in the work, it has almost everybody back, and it won't have to learn a new system.

Yet the question still looms: Will the Tigers get back to respectability after a 1-9 season?

That is a question that will only be answered in time, but coach Lawrence Brookins believes the solution will be revealed in the trenches.

"A key is the maturation of the offensive and defensive lines as soon as possible," said Brookins, who is in his second year as head coach. "We've got to be tougher (than last year). Assignment-wise, I know we'll be better because we've seen that in practice."

Last year, a lot of sophomores and juniors were "thrown into the fire," as Brookins put it, and the Tigers took their lumps. But almost the entire line on both sides of the ball are intact from a year ago.

Nathaniel Brink is Central's largest lineman this year at 6-3, 280, but he played more defense last year than offense. He'll anchor a line which consists of center Eric Niswonger (6-3, 200), guards Casey Dwyre (6-0, 200) and Justin Wells (5-11, 245) and tackle Jason Beard (6-0, 210).

That group will try to open holes for tailback Jamelle Austin (5-5, 180) and fullback Otis Turner (6-0, 200).

"We're pretty excited about our kids in the backfield," said Brookins. "Otis Turner is one of the best blocking fullbacks in the area and probably one of the best in the state. Whenever we look at game film on Mondays, everybody can't wait for the first big hit that O.J. lays on somebody. He's a good runner too. He runs straight ahead. He won't juke and jive you.

"Jamelle really learned a lot last year. Sometimes he'd get excited and get to a hole too soon instead of setting up blocks. But Jamelle is a tough kid and he's really learning how to run the football. Jamelle's got enough speed, toughness and tenacity. He's a short, squatty kid. He's not the fastest back in the world, but he's got great balance and is a good athlete. He was very inspirational to us last year."

Austin and Turner will be joined in the backfield by second-year quarterback Jeff Dunaway.

Like the rest of the team, Dunaway took some lumps last year, but, as is natural with the quarterback position, his lumps physical and mental were exposed in the spotlight.

"Jeff has worked real hard on his mechanics over the summer in 7-on-7," said Brookins. "He really worked hard at the Mizzou camp and he has listened well to (coach) Steve Williams and hangs on every word. He was able to pick up some pointers from Jeff Brune, who graduated from Cape Central and played for SIU.

"You'll see a better athlete and a better quarterback."

The offense will be rounded out by a solid receiving crew that starts with tight end Justin Welker (6-1, 210). Welker has started every game since his sophomore year and is a leader on the team. One of the strongest Tigers, Welker also has good speed at tight end.

Zac Fidler (6-2, 185) and J.P. Limbaugh (6-0, 170) will play the flanker position and will be the top two receivers on the team. Fidler is a good all-around athlete with good speed. Limbaugh, though not quite as fast as Fidler, "catches balls he shouldn't," Brookins said. Ricky Ogles will start at wide receiver, the deepest position on the team. Ogles will rotate in and out with several players.

Besides Brian Emmendorfer's strong leg in the kicking game, defense was the team's strong point last season as the offense's turnovers and inability to move the chains often put the defense in a bind.

Brookins wouldn't go into details, but he said the team is changing its defense somewhat this year.

"The changes (coach) Bobby (Haggerty) made are sound and the entire staff believes in what we're doing," said Brookins.

The linebacking crew, led by Turner and Dwyre, looks to be the defense's strength.

The defensive line will consist of Daniel Bird (5-8, 270), Brink, Wells and Welker.

A host of players will get time in the defensive backfield including Fidler, Ogles, T.J. Erlacker, Limbaugh and Emmendorfer.

Cape Central's schedule is somewhat lighter this year, though still not easy.

The Tigers, who dropped down to 4A after new enrollment standards were set, won't play the largest school in the state, Columbia Hickman, this year.

Cape Central will have a better shot at winning district this year as it will play Farmington, Perryville and conference rival Sikeston instead of Jackson, Poplar Bluff and Vianney as it did last year.

The Tigers will open their season at home Friday night against St. Charles West -- the only team the Tigers beat last year. Cape Central also added Ritenour, which went just 1-9 last year but plays in the brutal Suburban North Conference in St. Louis against teams like Pattonville, Riverview Gardens and the Hazelwood schools.

Cape Central

Mascot: Tigers

Enrollment:1,282

Coach: Lawrence Brookins

Conference: SEMO North

District: Class 4A, District 1

Last year's record: 1-9

Key losses: Casey Mueller, TE; Brian Tenkhoff, OL

Key returners: Brian Emmendorfer, K; Justin Welker, TE/DE; O.J. Turner, FB/LB; Jamelle Austin, RB; Casey Dwyre, LB/G