Capital City began its inaugural varsity season with a jamboree Aug. 21 at Rolla against the host Bulldogs, Waynesville and Union.
The Cavaliers are hoping their season doesn't end in the same location it started.
Sixth-seeded Capital City will travel tonight to third-seeded Rolla in a Class 5 District 4 first-round contest. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Lions Memorial Stadium. The winner will face second-seeded Battle next Friday night in Columbia.
Capital City (1-6) is coming off its first victory at the varsity level last week - a 13-7 home win against Kirksville.
"I think it added a little motivation for our kids, but I don't know if it's had a big impact in how we've handled this week," Cavaliers coach Shannon Jolley said. "Our kids have sometimes struggled to understand some of the complexities in a varsity season, but I think we understand that we keep playing if we win."
The Cavaliers' defense had allowed 52.5 points per contest in its first six games, but held the Tigers in check. Opposing offenses averaged almost 11 yards per carry in the first six games, but Kirksville averaged just 2.86 yards per carry (63 yards on 22 carries).
"We made a commitment to playing harder," Jolley said. "We got more guys to the ball on defense, we tackled better, and did some good things with our inside run."
Capital City rushed 52 times for 225 yards and did not complete a pass last week. Sophomore Hurley Jacobs leads the team in carries (101) and touchdowns (7) and is coming off a 21-carry, 104-yard, one-touchdown performance. Juniors Ian Nelson (93 carries for 472 yards) and Ethan Wood (91 carries for 471 yards) have each scored three times on the ground this season.
"We've really figured out how to run as one," Jacobs said. "Our I-formation might work (against Rolla), and our fat formation will probably work, too."
Junior southpaw Taggart Bodenstab started at quarterback against Kirksville, but sophomore Hayden Carroll entered in relief after Bodenstab left the game after a nasty hit early in the fourth quarter. Carroll is in line to start his second game against Rolla.
No matter who is under center or taking the bulk of the carries, Jolley said the key against Rolla will be winning the turnover battle. The Cavaliers are minus-8 in turnover ratio and lost four of five fumbles last week.
"That's something we've struggled with all season," Jolley said. "We were able to overcome it last week, but that's not going to be the case this week. I don't think we'll be able to get away with turning it over one time."
Rolla (4-3) is dealing with a similar quarterback situation. Junior starter Adam Hounsom left with a possible concussion after being sacked in the second quarter of the season finale against Camdenton. Teammate Gage Klossner moved from his wide receiver spot to under center and led the Bulldogs to a 28-10 home win against the defending Ozark Conference champions.
Klossner is taking first-team snaps in practice this week and will likely start if Hounsom isn't medically cleared. Sophomore Broc Lyle will serve as Klossner's backup.
The Bulldogs' offense is averaging 27.9 points per game, while the defense is allowing 28 points per game.
The offense racked up 371 total yards - 310 rushing - against Camdenton. Junior running back Hayden Dane carried the load with 208 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries.
Defensively, the Bulldogs held Camdenton to 37 rushing yards on 13 carries and 186 total yards.
Rolla played all of its regular season games against Ozark Conference foes. Its wins came against opponents with a combined 12-23 record, while its losses were against opponents with a combined 20-6 record.