On Saturday, Sept. 6, the Tigers fought to rally from a nine point fourth””quarter deficit, but could not hang on to win the season opener. The Yellow Jackets outscored the Tigers 30-27.
The Tigers scored first after a muffed punt by Howard Payne inside the 10″”yard line. Howard Payne scored on an 88″”yard drive soon after. The shootout continued and Howard Payne was up 16-14 at the half.
Following a scoreless third quarter, both teams scored in the fourth. In the end, the Yellow Jackets came out on top.
Even though the Tigers lost the season opener , they are developing as a team.
Running back Travis Williams finished with 137 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries.
“I like the chemistry I see developing between the offensive line and running back corps,” sophomore receiver Zach Allen said.
Senior receiver Matt Kennemer and senior quarterback Mason Blaschke. Kennemer finished the game with 215 all””purpose yards, 88 of those yards came by way of passes thrown by Mason Blaschke, who had 208 passing yards with two scores on the day.
The defense was lead by senior Jai Boatman. Boatman led the team with 14 overall tackles, and a interception. Junior Camden Joubert, senior Connor Yorloff, and senior J.P. Sanchez also recorded double digit tackles. The Tiger defense was not able to record any sacks during the season opener.
Although the Tigers did not get the result they were hoping for against Howard Payne, they are optimistic that their next game against Willamette University (Ore.) will be better.
“The effort was there. Everyone was flying around, and doing their best to get the job done. We didn’t get him this time, but with this kind of effort we’re bound to have an explosive day in the backfield next Saturday,” sophomore linebacker Julian Turner said.
Tomorrow, Sept. 13, the Tigers will go on the road to face Willamette University (Ore.). The game against Trinity is the first game of Willamette’s season.
“We came out focused this week to make sure that doesn’t happen again this weekend. Willamette is a good football team. They are consistently a top””25 team, and a playoff contender. One of our team goals is to build national relevance, and what better way to do that than to beat a nationally relevant opponent” said Von’Derrick Jones, student football coach.
Tomorrow, Sept. 13, the Tigers will go on the road to face Willamette University (Ore.).
