Injuries to Craft, Twiggs are likely minor, coach says

The pain of Thursday's 26-20 overtime loss to New Madrid County Central still lingers with the Central football team, but the Tigers did receive some good news Friday.

Tigers quarterback Mitch Craft, who was taken to a hospital after being hurt late in the second quarter, will likely be ready for next Friday's game at Blytheville, Ark.

Craft said he must go to a doctor Monday but is optimistic he'll be cleared to play.

"It looks good," he said.

Added Central coach Lawrence Brookins, "He's fine. He's got a tight neck. He'll probably practice Tuesday."

Craft, who started the game at safety, was injured while playing on defense. Despite having to be helped to the sideline, Craft said he didn't want to leave the game.

"I wanted to go back in," he said.

The Tigers' backfield also had a rough go Thursday. Brandon Twiggs and Marcus Rice both left the game in the second half with injuries. Rice was available late in the game, but Twiggs was taken to the hospital.

"Brandon had a mild concussion," Brookins said. "They're both going to be all right. Nothing's hurt but our feelings."

The Tigers will be without running back Will Johnson for the immediate future, though. Johnson went down in the opener with a compound fracture in his finger.

Although it appears the Tigers will be near full strength for Blytheville, Brookins said if Central plays like it did against NMCC, health won't matter.

"Our biggest problem was with our tackling," he said. "Our tackling was pathetic."

jjoffray@semissourian.com

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