Tigers, Zizzers battle for lead

Central entered its district opener at home against Poplar Bluff with a 1-6 record and was coming off its worst offensive performance under coach Lawrence Brookins in a 27-0 loss to Fort Zumwalt North.

The Tigers (2-6) showed they were not ready to let go of their four-year reign as district champions just yet, though, recovering for a convincing 27-7 win to start 1-0 in Class 4 District 1 play.

Tonight, the Tigers will try to put themselves in the drivers seat in the district with a home game against district newcomer West Plains (4-4).

Brookins said he does not like the fact his team can play at such extremes from week to week, but he hopes now that his team has found some momentum they can keep it.

"The challenge this week is to try to do it again," he said.

In rolling to a win over Poplar Bluff, the Tigers did two things which have been keys in games they have performed well in this season.

For the third time this season, senior running back Brandon Twiggs rushed for more than 100 yards. Twiggs' other two 100-yard performances resulted in a win against Normandy and a close defeat against St. Louis University High.

"We have to run the ball," Brookins said.

The other key factor in Central's win was limiting mistakes. Central did not commit a turnover, something which has plagued it throughout the season. In the previous two games, the Tigers' quarterbacks had thrown six interceptions.

Helping to keep the Tigers from turning the ball over was Tigers punter Andy Ligons. Ligons was able to make up for a poor night by Central's long snappers, even booming a 52-yarder in the first quarter that helped change the tone for the game.

"Andy Ligons saved the punt snappers all night long," Brookins said.

While the home field advantage has not seemed to be much of a factor for the Tigers this season -- Central is 1-3 in home games -- playing at home tonight could make a big difference.

The Zizzers likely will spend more time on the bus ride up than they will playing the game.

Brookins said he was sure the Zizzers' coaching staff would be able to do a good job of downplaying the trip to their players.

"They're probably used to riding two hours or an hour and a half to a game, so I don't know how much the travel will affect them," he said.

Both teams will enter the game not knowing much about the opponent beyond what they have seen on film. The Tigers have faced their share of new faces this season, adding five new teams to this year's schedule.

"I feel it's kind of exciting," Brookins said. "I think it's fun seeing the new faces that we've seen."

West Plains has put up some big offensive numbers this season, including a 35-0 victory against Sikeston. The Zizzers will likely try to keep the ball on the ground and try to force the Tigers into mistakes.

Brookins said the Zizzers are a team that does not make mistakes but that his team's speed could give West Plains problems.

"I think we have an edge in team speed, and that could be the difference in the game," he said.

Tonight's game will crown the district champion if the team that wins and the team it beat last week also wins. Poplar Bluff plays at Sikeston on Friday. Otherwise, the team would be in prime position to claim the title the following week.

For the Tigers, tonight's game would move them closer to their fifth straight district title and turn around what has been a disappointing season to this point.

"I'm praying the kids understand the significance of what's coming up," Brookins said. "If we win again, it doesn't guarantee us a district championship, but it puts us in a nice spot."