Daingerfield grounds Eagles, earns playoff berth

In what coaches were calling “Punch Your Ticket” week, the Daingerfield Tigers were able to ensure their playoff berth, while all but eliminating the New Diana Eagles. In a night where their seniors were recognized prior to their final home game, the Tigers grounded the Eagles, 43 to 9.

Daingerfield again won the toss, and again elected to defer to the second half. Following a kickoff return that was aided by facemask penalty against the Tigers, New Diana set up shop on the Tiger 45-yard line. Less than two minutes later, the Eagles were helped by another Tiger penalty, this time a pass interference, which moved the ball to the Tigers 7-yard line. Following a 26-yard field goal, the Eagles held a 3-0 lead. This would be the Eagles' only lead of the game.

It did not take long for the Tigers to score on their first drive. Following the ensuing kickoff, the Tigers began their first possession on their own 45-yard line. Quarterback Reggie Jeter scampered for a 55-yard touchdown, giving the Tigers a 6-3 lead. Less than four minutes later, Jeter would pad the Tigers lead with another touchdown run, this time for 25 yards. After a two-point conversion, the Tigers held a 14-3 lead with five minutes left in the first quarter. New Diana answered those two quick scores with another score of their own to make the score 14-9. That would be last time the Tigers would allow the Eagles across the goal line, however.

The Eagles, in an attempt to turn the tide, followed that score with an onside kick, which they were able to recover. However, the Tiger defense stood firm, and held them to a three and out on the ensuing series. The Tigers, however, would not be stopped, as Markevian Grant rumbled 31 yards for a touchdown, making the score 21-9 following the extra point.

The Tigers received a gift midway through the second quarter. With the Tigers threatening to score again, a fumble on the handoff led to what looked like a turnover for the Tigers. The Eagles recovered the fumble, and attempted to advance the ball before fumbling the ball back to the Tigers. The officiating crew determined that when New Diana advanced the ball, it was a change of possession, and when Daingerfield recovered the second fumble on the play, it gave Daingerfield a first down and ten, instead of third and long. The Tigers capitalized, making the score 29-9 on a Cedric Arthur 10- yard run. The Tigers would also get a defensive score on the next series, as Trodarius Lynn stepped in front of the Eagle receiver, running his interception 20 yards for a Tiger touchdown. This gave the Tigers a 36-9 lead going into halftime.

The second half offered less fireworks, as the Tigers took their foot off the gas, so to speak, yet still kept the Eagles from scoring. The final Daingerfield score came on another Jeter rushing touchdown, this time for 23 yards. Jeter was named the MaxPreps.com player of the came after rushing for three Tiger touchdowns.

Coach Mike Waldie stressed to his players following the game the importance of preparing for the “third season,” following the win. “We have to prepare for Ore City, and get prepared for our third season. We almost put together four full quarters of football, we just have a few things to iron out, to make sure we peak at the right time,” said Waldie.

The Tigers, with one loss, right now are alone at the top of District 7-AAA. Pewitt, Hooks, and Ore City all have two losses, with Hooks having completed their regular season. In a game that has huge playoff implications and could help determine seeding, the Tigers travel to Ore City for their final game of the year on Nov. 4. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.