Tigers defeat DeKalb, move to 2-0 in district play

The Daingerfield Tigers traveled to DeKalb on Oct. 7, to face a rather unfamiliar foe. Although the Bears have several staff members who are familiar with Daingerfield, the two teams have not faced off on the gridiron in several years.

The Tigers entered the game fresh off their homecoming win over the Pewitt Brahmas a week early. After winning the toss, the Tigers deferred, choosing instead to receive the ball beginning the second quarter. The Bears were unable to get any forward momentum, and punted the ball following a three-and out series. The Tigers, taking over in Bear territory for their first series, and quickly struck pay dirt. However, in an ominous sign of things to come, the touchdown was called back on a penalty, and the Tigers would punt away their first possession.

DeKalb’s second punt of the game left the Tigers barely outside Bear territory. On the first play of the series, the Tigers capitalized when Keiston Rushing rushed 49 yards for a touchdown with 5 minutes and two second left in the first quarter. After the Tigers recovered a Bear fumble on the ensuing kickoff, the Tigers again would light the scoreboard, this time on an 18 yard field goal by Jose Bello. That score put the Tigers ahead 9-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Bears' first series of the second quarter resulted in another fumble recovery for the Tigers, this time on their own two yard line. The Tigers then returned the favor, fumbling on their own 10 yard to give the Bears their first trip inside the red zone. The Tigers then would recover another Bear fumble on their own ten yard line. The series would eventually end with a blocked punt following a bad snap, which the Bears would recover in the end zone for a touchdown. Following the only Bear touchdown of the night, the halftime score was 7-9 in the Tigers’ favor.

The Tigers’ came out following halftime with a 61 yard touchdown run by Markevian Grant. The Tiger’s next possession was capped by another Rushing touchdown, this time for 19 yards. The Tigers’ then proceeded to have four touchdowns on their next series negated by penalties, leaving the score at 23-7 at the end of the third quarter. The Tiger offense would score once more on another Grant touchdown run, pushing the score to 31-7 in favor of the Tigers. The scoring would be capped by an interception return by Trodarius Lynn, giving the Tigers’ scoring plays on offense, defense, and special teams. Following a missed extra point, the final score was 37-7, giving the Tigers a 2-0 district record as they prepare to meet the Hooks Hornets at home on Friday.