Game notes for Friday’s homecoming game between Houston and Cabool:
TIGER TIDBITS: Junior Trevor Merckling, who starts at linebacker and tight end, left in the second quarter of Friday’s game with a “dinged shoulder.” HHS coach Billy O’Neil said the injury did not require a doctor’s visit. …A pair of players who joined the team after the season started are gaining eligibility. Gabe Pruett (6-foot-1, 212 pounds) will join the offensive line rotation. “He has looked good in practice,” O’Neil said. “He has been aggressive and given us a good look. I think he will help us down the road.” Also back is Mike Wallace, who will be one of the team’s biggest players at 260 pounds. O’Neil said Wallace could play nose or defensive tackle when he returns Sept. 21 against Thayer.
HHS DEFENSE: The Tigers’ shutout of Cuba was the program’s first since a 40-0 victory Sept. 5, 2008, at Southern Boone. …Nathaniel Alkire had team-highs of nine tackles and two for losses in Friday’s victory. He also recovered a fumble. …HHS had seven tackles in the Cuba backfield.
ABOUT CABOOL: The Bulldogs fell to 0-3 with a 34-20 loss Saturday to Willow Springs. Cabool has also been defeated by Ash Grove (41-0) and Strafford (36-6). …The Bulldogs beat HHS 21-6 last season for their third straight victory in the series. …O’Neil said Cabool relies on the speed and athleticism of its skill players on the defensive side of the ball. “They have kids flying to the ball,” O’Neil said. “It’s like hitting a bee hive. If you get off one, you better be ready to be hit by two or three others.”
LIVE BROADCAST: Friday’s homecoming queen coronation and football game against Cabool will be streamed live over the Internet at www.houstonherald.com/live. It will also be archived there for later viewing. Coverage of homecoming begins at 6:15 p.m.
MS FOOTBALL: Houston’s Daniel Moorehead returned a kick for a touchdown in the middle school football team’s season-opening loss last Thursday at Mountain Grove.