WEATHER: Friday, sunshine with highs in the low 60s. Friday night, lows in the upper 30s.
TIGER TIDBITS: Freshman Austin Keeney had a 12-yard punt return at the end of Friday’s game. …Defensive coordinator Billy O’Neil said he started four freshmen – Austin Foster (LB), Nathaniel Alkire (LB), Aaron Cantrell (CB) and Tanner Smith (CB) – on defense against Liberty to give them varsity experience. “I thought they gained valuable experience and were able to see the speed and size of a varsity conest from the beginning. Even though they were a little nervous, I was proud of their effort and hustle,” O’Neil said. …Freshman Austin Foster had his first varsity carries Friday night. He gained three yards on his first rush, followed by runs of minus-1 and minus-4 yards. …Freshman Aaron Cantrell took snaps at QB late in the game.
SEASON FINALE: Houston concludes its 2010 season Friday night when it travels to Cuba. The Tigers have won the last two meetings in the series.
ABOUT CUBA: The Wildcats can clinch a playoff berth and winning season with a victory against Houston. Cuba, which last made the playoffs in 2000, improved to 1-1 in district play with a 12-10 victory against Willow Springs. …After managing three wins each of the previous two seasons, Cuba enters the regular season finale with a 5-4 record. The Wildcats earned victories against St. James (24-12), Barat Academy (50-21), St. Pius X (22-12), Wright City (22-16) and Willow Springs. Cuba lost to Southern Boone (36-14), South Callaway (24-8), Brentwood (7-6) and Liberty (54-22). …Coach Jim Wolfe shared these thoughts with the Cuba Free Press on Friday’s game against Houston: “I feel pretty good about our chances. You have to go out and play the game, but I like our chances on Friday. We have to protect the football and find a way to become more productive on offense.”
