KOUNTZE — In an effort to even their district record, the Tigers traveled to Kountze looking to spoil the Lion’s Homecoming Festivities.
The Tigers received the ball to open the game, but in their second play, a Lion interception quickly halted the drive. The Tiger defense was able to make a stop and force a punt, but the the Tigers next possession resulted in an errant punt from their own end zone.
The Lions scooped up the ball at the 1-yard line for an easy score and a 7-0 lead. The Tigers were again unable to gain any offensive momentum, and a failed 4th-down try, set up the Lion offense for another score and as the first quarter ended the Tigers found themselves in a 14-0 hole.
The 2nd quarter started on a positive note as the Tigers were able to find the end zone on a 75-yard drive highlighted by a 17-yard pass from Turbo Maxie to Corde’ Walker, giving the Tigers the ball at the 1-yard line and Maxie an opportunity to get the score on the next play. Misfortunes fell on the Tiger defense on the Lions’ ensuing drive as they were forced to go for a 4th-and-1 from the 48-yard line. The Lions tried a quarterback sneak that broke loose for a 48-yard touchdown.
The Tigers Special Team’s misfortunes continued on their next drive as the Lions were able to field a punt at the Lion 30-yard line and return it 70-yards to extend the lead 28-6. The Tigers were able to put together a 64-yard scoring drive to narrow the lead 28-12 as Maxie completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to Ayden DuBose. With time winding down in the first half, the Lions drove the ball deep into Tiger Territory and were threatening to add another score when the Tigers forced a turnover at the 3-yard line and were able to keep the score manageable at 28-12 going into the locker room at halftime.
The Tigers attempted to get momentum on their side with an onside kick to open the 3rd quarter, but the Lions were able to retain possession, but much like the opening of the game, the Lions threw an interception followed by a late hit that gave the Tigers a golden opportunity to get back to within a touchdown, but a 4th down sack ended their drive. The 3rd quarter resulted in a defensive struggle in which no team was able to gain any traction on offense.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, the 4th quarter resulted in their worst performance of the season as they fumbled the ball twice and gave up 21-points as the Lions cruised to a 49-12 beating of the Tigers.
The Tigers have a bye week and will host Warren for Homecoming on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.
Apple Springs
The Eagles won 74-27 over Campbell on Thursday.
Nate Sanders went 29 of 35 passing for 428 yards and 10 touchdowns. Leading receivers were Peyton Williams, Joseph Ocasiones, Zeth Dugat and Reagan Davis.
Leading defensive players were Noah Thompson and Bradyn Kaufman.
