By Scott Womack
TCNS correspondent
GROVETON — With bragging rights on the line, the Tigers took the short trip down 94 Friday night to renew their long-time rivalry with the Indians. Both teams were well-prepared and excited to make an impact on the game, and the final score — 33-32 — showed how important it was.
The Indians received the opening kickoff, and with a combination of running and passing, took just 1:28 to take an early 8-0 lead over the Tigers. Not to be outdone, the Tigers took just 1:17 off the clock to find the end zone on a 30-yard run by Jammele Johnson, but a failed extra point attempt gave the Indians an 8-0 lead.
The second quarter opened with the Indians driving the ball deep into Tiger territory, but a fumble on the Tiger 18-yard line ended the drive. The Tigers took over and drove the ball to the Indian 36-yard line where a fumble gave the ball back to the Indians. On the third play for the Indians, Chance Barron intercepted the ball and returned it to the Indian 28-yard line. Four plays later, Johnson again found the end zone with a 5-yard run. A failed 2-point attempt gave the Tigers a 12-8 lead.
The Indians took their next drive to the Tiger 30-yard line, and again the Tigers forced an Indian fumble. The Indians forced a punt and with the aid of Tiger penalties were able to retake the lead 16-12 with just 39 seconds left before halftime. The Tigers took possession on their own 24-yard line and after a 4-yard run on first down, Turbo Maxie was able to complete a pass to Ayden DeBose who took the ball down the Tiger sideline for a 72-yard touchdown as time expired in the first half.
With the successful 2-point attempt, the Tigers took a 20-16 lead into the locker room.
The third quarter opened with the Tigers in possession and Johnson was able to break free again for a 59-yard run for the score, and after the extra point kick, the Tigers extended their lead to 27-16. The Tigers stopped the Indians on downs and took over at their own 45-yard line, taking 9 plays capped off by a 24-yard Maxie-Johnson pass for a touchdown. After the failed extra point try the Tigers took a 33-16 lead with 5:40 remaining in the third quarter.
The Indians next possession ended with a Maxie interception, with a defensive hold and a bad snap on a punt, set the Indians up deep in Tiger territory at the 22-yard line. The Indians capitalized on the good field possession and cut into the Tiger lead with a 6-play scoring drive, adding the 2-point attempt, the Tigers lead 33-24.
The Tigers fumbled on their next possession and the Indians opened the 4th quarter marching down the field, but the Tigers were able to force an incompletion on 4th down ending the Indians drive at the Tiger 7-yard line. The Indians were able to force a punt and taking over at the 50-yard line, the Indians marched down the field and were able to tighten the score with a touchdown and 2-point conversion giving the Tigers a 1-point lead 33-32.
The Tigers fumbled the ball at the Indian 40-yard line giving the Indians a final opportunity to take the lead, but the opening play of the Indian drive the Tigers forced a fumble and with the recovery, the Tigers were able to run out the clock and seal the victory over the Indians.
The Tigers ended the evening with 258 rushing yards and 172 passing yards, 4 forced turnovers and a 2-0 record to start the season. The Indians rushed for 215 yards and passed for 61 yards with 3 forced turnovers and an 0-2 record.
The Indians will travel to Lovelady on Friday night to challenge the Lions, while the Tigers will have the week off as they prepare to host Colmesneil on September 20th at Tiger Stadium.
Apple Springs
Head Coach Cody Moree said it was a tough night for the Eagles, who were hammered by Penelope 80-42.
For Apple Springs, Freshman Nate Sanders went 25 for 38 in the air for 342 yards and 4 TDs.
Freshman Peyton Williams caught 12 of 14 passes for 162 yards and 1 TD; Junior Zeth Dugat caught 8 of 12 for 129 yards for 2 TDs; Freshman Blaize McSwain caught 3 passes for 40 yards and 1 TD; and Freshman Kane Dugat caught 2 for 36 yards and 1 TD
Leading tacklers were Junior Bradyn Kaufman with 12 solo and 5 assists; Freshman Peyton Williams had 6 solo and 5 assists; and Freshman Joseph Ocasiones had 2 solo and 7 assists.
Sophomore Nathan Smith had one fumble recovery and one onside kick recovery, and Freshman Peyton Williams had a 36-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
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