Cape Central football hopeful 2022 success sets up bright future

Outside expectations were low for the Cape Central Tigers heading into this season following back-to-back losing seasons, but the internal belief proved vital as the Tigers roared to a 10-4 finish and a Class 5 state semifinal appearance.

A season ago the Tigers finished 2-7 and coach Kent Gibbs credited his senior class for sticking with it.

“When things aren’t going well it’s easy to say, ‘I’m going to do something else,’” Gibbs said. “They didn’t do that. They grinded through it, got through the bad times and we put it all behind us.”

Through five games Central was 2-3 and Gibbs said the leadership was key in keeping them on track.

“We were three or four plays away from being 1-5,” Gibbs said. “Things could have gone south in a big way.”

A Sept. 23 loss to Jackson was the last time the Tigers would lose until Saturday afternoon.

“We just worked and stayed with it,” Gibbs said. “We never got down on each other. After the 2-3 start we just started having great practices and we just got a little bit better. We got lucky in a couple games and it just snowballed and the kids got more confidence and we kept playing well.”

The Tigers season came to an end on Saturday with a 56-20 loss to Fort Osage in the Class 5 state semifinals, but Gibbs made sure to remind his team how proud he was.

“It’s really important because I love every one of them,” Gibbs said. “I’m so proud of the seniors that didn’t leave us and stuck with us through the rough times.”

For Gibbs, the thing he will remember most about this season is the way his team worked all season long.

Cape Central's season comes to an end in Class 5 State Semifinals

Clay Herrell ~ Southeast Missourian

The Fort Osage Indians reeled off 46 straight points as they knocked off the Cape Central Tigers 56-20 Saturday afternoon at Cape Central High School. The Tigers trailed 7-6 just over a minute into the second quarter when senior quarterback Morgan Diamond connected with freshman wide receiver Marquel Murray for a 25-yard touchdown to give the...

“They worked really hard in the weight room with Coach King and got stronger and more confident in their abilities,” Gibbs said. “I think when you do those kinds of things you have a shot.”

The senior class of Morgan Diamond, Keontae’ Dixon, Marshon Edwards, Clayton McClard, Theon Mackins Jr. and Soren Janzow received plenty of praise from Gibbs for their accomplishments over the last four years.

“This group played for two district championships and played in a state semifinal game,” Gibbs said.

“I’d like to think this is a stepping stone,” Gibbs said. “At the end of the day it’s hard to get this far and you can only use this as a stepping stone if you’re willing to work for what it takes to get you there. This experience should be invaluable. If we take this experience and turn it into work and get some more kids in the program and keep pushing through then it’ll be a valuable experience.”

Cape Central senior Morgan Diamond throws a pass during the Tigers 14-10 win over MICDS on Nov. 19 in St. Louis.