By Jasmine Jones
Photos Courtesy Tiger Snaps
Last Friday, the Winnfield Tiger football team traveled to Jena High School to take on the Giants. There they lost a hard fought game 46-0, putting their best foot forward but seemingly unable to ever gain traction.
The expectations of the night’s game had settled in the Tiger crowd by the time the coin toss arrived and the game began. This would be a tough game. Despite Jena’s daunting physicality, the Winnfield Tigers put forth their best effort from beginning to end.
Early in the game the Tigers fumbled a kickoff and Jena gained possession where they were soon able to score a touchdown. The unfortunate circumstances did not dampen Winnfield’s spirit as they continued to fight when a tackle by Damascus “Tank” Lewis prevented the two point conversion following Jena’s touchdown. Then, Jeremy Mamon carried the ball to a first down despite Jena’s threatening defense.
On the Giants’ next possession, Breylan Starks broke up a pass that would have increased the Giants advance substantially. Soon afterward, Logan Brister, continuing the theme of perseverance, led the Tigers defensive line to push the Jena carrier back multiple yards thwarting Jena’s attempts to continuously drive up the middle.
In the second half of the game, it seemed as though Jena would score another touchdown. But the Tigers’ defensive line held strong, coming together and blocking Jena’s drives. They were mere meters away from the endzone but the Tigers held fast. Eventually Jena’s attempts ran out and they were forced to give possession to Winnfield. Then on the Giant’s very next possession, the defensive front headlined by Logan Adams, Jayvian Woods, and Jeremy Mamon worked together to push the Giants even further back.
Later on offense, Nickalas Mockosher dropped back the pass the ball, but noticed a hole. With quick thinking he hit the gap for a substantial gain. This well-executed play was followed with a run by John Micheal Pickett and a completed pass to Javen Jackson and allowed the Tigers to gain their final first down of the night.
“Jena physically dominated the line on offense and defense,” says head coach Jay Watson. “We never could get going. Jena is bigger and more physical.” When asked about next week’s game he replied “Next week’s game is gonna make us defend the field from sideline to sideline. We have to rebound as a team and get mentally prepared to play a game next week.”
Next week the Winnfield Tigers will travel to Bunkie to take on the Panthers who currently stand 4-0 in their record. The Tigers will play at seven o’clock. It is predicted to be a comfortable game with temperatures in the upper seventies. Consider coming out to support the Winnfield Tigers!
