The Demopolis Tigers have happily been foot-loose and injury free for most of the 2003 football season but this week the Tigers’ good fortune may have finally run out. They say when bad things come, they come in three’s and for the Tigers that’s exactly what happened. The Tigers added three new injuries to their injury report this week with:

Devin Goodwin-bruised knee

Dontrell Miller-bruised or possibly pulled thigh muscle

Chris Cupit-fractured leg

Two of the three reported injuries are at the quarterback position and for head coach Doug Goodwin, it will a long week with many questions to ponder.

Starting quarterback Devin Goodwin is considered questionable this week and will be watched carefully while he recovers from a bruised knee he sustained in Friday night’s game. Goodwin, who did dress for practice on Monday, is able to move on the knee but will have to wear a brace for most of the week.

Outside linebacker Chris Cupit was first thought to be out for the rest of the season with a fractured leg he sustained Friday night but thanks to modern technology, Cupit could be back as early as next week.

Backup quarterback and strong safety Dontrell Miller suffered a bruised thigh in Friday night’s game and is also questionable for this week’s game. But Miller was moving fairly well during Monday’s practice and according to coach Goodwin; chances of him playing this week look good.

Along with these new injuries, the Tigers still have two other players fighting minor injuries that continue to be a weighing factor this week.

Linebacker Ezell Braxton was back this week after a near two-week absence with a sprained ankle but continued to have trouble with lateral speed Friday night and collected one tackle and five assist.

Receiver Bart Pettus is back in action this week after a two-week absence with a sprained ACL injury. Pettus, who participated Monday in his first practice since the injury, looked to be in good form Monday will likely be starting Friday night against Opp.

With most of this week’s injuries at key offensive positions, Goodwin may have to alter his offensive game plan this week and rely on his defense. Which shouldn’t be a problem for the Tigers whose defense has only given up five touchdowns all season.

Round two is set for Friday night as the Tigers prepare to host the (9-2) Opp Bobcats. But if the Tigers are to get into the third round of the playoffs then they will have to find a way to avoid any further injuries this week and go back to playing mistake free football.