ST. LOUIS, Mo. - A relentless defensive effort allowed the Cape Central Tigers to roar past the MICDS Rams 14-10 in the Class 5 quarterfinals on Saturday afternoon at Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School.

The Tigers opened the game with a near seven-minute drive that culminated in a 3-yard rushing touchdown by freshman running back Keyshawn Boyd, putting the Tigers ahead 7-0.

“It turned into a tough, physical ball game and we played tough on that drive,” Tigers coach Kent Gibbs said. “I think anytime you’re playing on the road and you score on the first drive, it sets the tone for you.”

The Tigers run defense was lights out, preventing the Rams from getting their ground game going.

“Our defense played their butts off today,” Gibbs said. “One thing that happened is we forced a lot of negative yardage plays and anytime you get an offense like that to have negative yardage plays you have a chance to slow them down and we were able to do that tonight several times.”

Tigers senior quarterback Morgan Diamond is happy to see the work paying off.

“It feels amazing,” Diamond said. “All of these guys put the work in, and we deserve this after everything we’ve been through.”

With the Tigers leading 7-0, the Rams evened things up less than three minutes into the second quarter with a 9-yard run from senior Steven Hall.

The two teams would enter the locker room at halftime tied at 7-7 after Tigers senior TJ Mackins had a field goal attempt blocked.

After forcing a three-and-out to start the second half the Tigers found the end zone once again with Diamond connecting with senior wide receiver Clayton McClard from 10-yards out to give Cape Central a 14-7 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

MICDS added a field goal late to make it 14-10 in the third quarter after the Tigers defense came up with a red-zone stop.

Gibbs said the win will take some time to soak in.

“It’s awesome for the kids, and it’s awesome for the community,” Gibbs said. “I don’t think anybody thought we would be here. Bottom line is we are one of the last teams standing, and we get a home game next week.”

The Tigers (10-3) will play Fort Osage (10-2) at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Class 5 State Semifinals at Cape Central High School.

“I am so excited to play at home,” Diamond said. “We’re going to pack the jungle again and have a party like it’s 1999.”