UNBEATEN TIGERS TRY TO SETTLE SCORE WITH MARSHALLS

Entering tonight's home football game against Marshall County (Ky.), things appear about the same as they did last year for the undefeated Cape Central Tigers.

But the Tigers don't expect the same result.

Last year, the Tigers went to Kentucky with a 3-0 record but left the state with a 26-19 loss on a rain-soaked field. This time, the Tigers will once again enter 3-0, but the playing conditions at Houck Field should be much improved over last year.

"This is, sort of, a payback week for us," said Central coach Jerry Dement. "Marshall County stubbed our toe last year over there and our kids want to make amends this year."

A dry field should allow the Tigers to use their decided speed advantage much like they did in wins over Farmington (34-0) and Hillsboro (32-12). Marshall County, coming of a 5-5 season, enters with a 3-1 record.

"Marshall County's a big, power-type football team similar to Hillsboro and Farmington, but they're stronger than those teams," Dement said. "They have a little more ability, so this should be a tough game for us."

Marshall County showed that ability last week in a 63-6 pounding of Ohio County (Ky.). Marshall County led 56-0 at halftime against what coach Jim Shelton described as a "horrible" team.

"We'll be playing the real deal this week," said Shelton. "It's going to be a different world after last week. I don't see where Cape has any weaknesses."

Last year, Marshall County used its massive size advantage on the line to dig in on the sloppy field and outgain Central nearly 2-to-1. Shelton said his team's wishbone offense won't be able to rely on its size this time.

"We're not as big as we were last year and that helped us out," said Shelton, who's best lineman weighs in at about 240 pounds. "We'll definitely be the underdog."

Dement said Marshall County still has some beef on their line, but he's noticed a slight drop in size.

"They're big, but not as big as last year," Dement said. "They were huge last year, but this year they're just big."

Last year, Central led 12-0 early and 19-13 at halftime before falling. Central running back Justin Blackmon scored all three Tiger touchdowns on runs of 38 and nine yards, and also had a 90-yard kickoff return. Blackmon, a senior, has been hard to catch again this year with 436 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

"We've got a couple kids that have speed for us, but not like Blackmon," said Shelton.

Shelton mentioned halfback Hugh Freeman and lineman Sean Hayden (6-2, 240) as his top players. With Marshall County relying almost exclusively on the running game, Central's defense is looking forward to another strong outing.

"Our defense has played three excellent ballgames," said Dement. "When you only allow 18 points in three games you're doing some good things."

Two injured linemen will make their first appearances of the season for the Tigers after sitting out the first three games. Junior Craig Knoth and senior Jody Wells will be back to provide depth on the Central line.

"Neither will start, but they will both play some," said Dement. "We have plenty of backs and receivers, but depth on the line is important to any ballclub. It helps us getting those two kids back."