The Tigers finished the task of sweeping their district last Friday with a 19-14 victory over Northeast Jones. The Tigers are on a four-game winning streak entering the playoffs and will face the Stone Tomcats in the first round of the playoffs. The Tigers will enjoy the fruits of their accomplishment by hosting the first round. This will be a welcomed change after the Tigers were on the road for all of their playoff games last season.
Health has been the focus of the team coming down the stretch of the regular season. Several players have been dealing with minor injuries and the coaching staff has taken measures to get the team back to full strength for a playoff push. Quarterback DK Jenkins missed his second consecutive game, opening the door for Darius Dampier to take snaps at the quarterback position again.
The Tigers relied heavily on their rushing attack once again in Jenkins absence. Darius Dampier led the team in rushing with 10 carries for 134 yards and a touchdown. Dampier is a gifted runner with a talent for making defenders miss. His versatility has been an asset for the Tigers this season. The running back committee continued to roll for the Tigers and a new face in Jaylon Dampeer has carved out a role for himself. Chance Barron and Tyler Bridges complimented Darius Dampier in the rushing attack. However it was Jaylon Dampeer who paced the Tigers backfield with 15 touches for 65 yards and a rushing touchdown. This makes consecutive weeks for Jaylon Dampeer finishing the game with at least 50 rushing yards and a touchdown.
The receiving corps played well. Dampier completed 6 of 14 pass attempts for 64 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. Logan McGuire led the receivers with three receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown.
Offensively the Tigers stalled in the second half but made enough plays to secure the win. The Tigers defense played an outstanding game and only allowed 14 points. Chance Barron with 9 tackles led the defense followed by Davin Chung, Chris Davis, Mylin Jenkins, and Corion Mathis with 7 tackles each. The defense flew to the football all night and made plays. It was a good win for the Tigers as they prepare for the second season.
Head Coach Chuckie Allen has expressed on several occasions that his team plays with a win or go home mentality in every matchup. The dress rehearsal is finished, and it is win or go home time beginning this Friday. The Tigers have experienced almost every in-game situation and understand what it takes to win football games.
The first goal of being District Champions is complete and they will take their first steps towards the goal of winning a State Championship this Friday against Stone.
