Sports Zone 11.18.23: Cape Central football advances to final four, SIU football notches big win on Senior Day

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Both the Cape Central High School and Southern Illinois University football teams had plenty to celebrate this afternoon.

Cape Central dueled Eureka this afternoon for a berth in the state semifinals.

After an emphatic win over Farmington last week, the Tigers held off a late comeback from Eureka on Saturday. The Wildcats’ desperation attempt on the final play came to an end with the ball in the hands of the Tigers, and for the second straight year, Cape Central is headed to the final four.

After their 32-29 win, the Tigers march on to face Cardinal Ritter in the semifinals.

Any time you can get to the Final Four, that’s big,” Cape Central head coach Kent Gibbs said. “The way we did it was big. Got down early, didn’t let it bother us. We came back, took a lead, and then we kind of let them back in the game, and man, it was just a heck of a ballgame coming down to the final play of the game.” 

Across the river in Carbondale, SIU hosted Indiana State in the final game of the regular season.

With just under 3 minutes left in the 1st quarter, a Ro Elliott 9-yard touchdown run capped off an 80-yard drive to give the Salukis the lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, SIU’s Cade Stephenson recovered a pooch kick to set up the Salukis on the Indiana State 22-yard line. On the very next play, Izaiah Hartup hauled in a one-handed reception in the end zone to extend the Salukis’ lead to 14-3.

After SIU’s defense forced a fumble on the third play of the Sycamores’ ensuing possession, the Salukis cashed in on a Nic Baker touchdown toss to Justin Strong to make it 21-3.

The Salukis cruised to a 38-9 victory. SIU finishes the regular season with a 7-4 overall record and 4-4 mark in conference play.