Cape Central Football

Cape Central Comes From Behind, Knocks Off Potosi

The Cape Central Tigers win their fourth straight game as they come from behind to defeat the Potosi Trojans 34-27 in Week 9.

The Cape Central Tigers had to really earn their sixth win of the season on Friday, but they did it in grand fashion, coming from behind in the fourth quarter to beat the Potosi Trojans 34-27. The win bumped the Tigers to 6-3 on the year and marked their fourth straight victory to send them into the District playoffs on a hot streak.

The Tigers travelled to Potosi in Week 9, and things certainly could have gone better from the jump. On the opening possession they got to mid-field, but went for it on 4th and 2 and got stuffed. That led to a turnover on downs and then a quick 50-yard rushing touchdown for the Trojans. Potosi led 6-0 after the first quarter.

On the ensuing possession the Tigers marched all the way down the field, but then threw a pick in the endzone from the eight yard line, taking the wind out of their sails. Thankfully in the second quarter, the defense stepped up and blocked a punt, setting up Zai’Aire Thomas to walk one in from nine yards out. That got them on the board, tied the score at six all and set the stage for a comeback.

Potosi would come back though with an eight-yard passing TD to regain the lead at 13-6. The game would level off from there though, and the two teams would head into the locker room after 24 minutes of play.

The third quarter got off to a frustrating start with the Trojans finding the endzone yet again on a four-yard run, but the Tigers had an answer. Cornerback Gavin Pittman intercepted a pass and ran it all the way down to the Potosi 13 yard line and set up QB Morgan Diamond to work his magic. He promptly hit Clayton McClard from 10 yards out and cut the lead to 20-13.

The Trojans would come back with a three-yard rushing score that extended their lead to 27-13, but the Tigers decided they were done playing games and would take the game over from there.

Special teams were a huge factor in this one, especially in the second half. McClard had a 90-yard kickoff return to set up a five-yard TD run by Keyshawn Boyd. The Tigers didn’t take their foot off the gas and kept pumping up the volume, now just a touchdown away from tying the score.

Another interception on the following possession put Central in great field position and they didn’t miss their opportunity. Thomas busted off a 35-yard run and took it to the house to knot the score at 27-all, closing out the third quarter.

The fourth quarter was all Cape. Diamond hooked up with Thomas for his third TD of the game on a 30-yard pass play that gave the Tigers a 34-27 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish. A crucial interception by Marshon Edwards squashed Potosi’s final drive and sealed the win for the Tigers, sending them to the playoffs on a four-game hot streak.

Head Coach John Gibbs commented on the heard-fought victory, saying, “It was a really a good team effort in all three facets of the game. I’m really proud of how we battled back from behind, never gave in and played hard throughout the game.”

Diamond was 8-of-14 for 127 yards and two scores, but Thomas was the story in this one. He rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries and had a receiving score as well. Marquel Murray was the leading receiver with five catches for 71 yards and McClard had a big receiving TD while also leading the team on defense with 12 tackles (two for a loss). As a team the Tigers picked off three passes, blocked a punt and had nine tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

This was a statement win for Cape and has them ready to roll in the playoffs next week. The victory sets them up to host the Mehlville Panthers in the first round of Districts. Kickoff is at 7pm on Friday, October 28th. Cape Central Comes From Behind, Knocks Off Potosi

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