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Tigers edged out by Spartans
Pictured, Dan Lockwood tries to keep a defender off of Sylvester Harbour during the Tigers season opener against Richmond. (Submitted photo)
By DUSTIN CARROLL
Sports Writer
The Tigers took the field in Richmond for the first game of the season, taking on a tough and experienced Spartan team and coming out on the wrong side of a 32-21 game.
For the Tigers it was a game in which they showed much improvement from the year’s past. They hard work they had put in during the offseason was obvious on the field but the Spartans simply outplayed the Tigers on Friday night in what turned out to be a defensive game.
In the opening quarter of play the Spartans jumped out on top with what would be the first seven points of the game. Their touchdown would be the only score of the game as the two teams went back and forth, forcing three-and-outs with some solid defense.
The Tigers offense came alive in the second quarter thanks to a huge run by running back Marcus Cody. Cody sprinted to the endzone on an impressive 86 yard touchdown run to put the Tigers on the board. After going for two with Alex VanFossen finding Trevor Douglas, the Tigers found themselves in the drivers seat, up 8-7.
The Tigers offense wasn’t done there as the defense continued to shut down the Richmond offense, placing the ball back in their hands. But this this trip to the endzone didn’t require the offense to even step foot on the field.
After going four-and-out, the Spartans were forced to punt to the Tigers deep in their own zone. Douglas fielded the punt and took it up field, burning by the Richmond special teams for a 14 yard punt return for a touchdown. After a Gabe Cordova kick, the Tigers led 15-7.
The punt return was something that showed the players and staff that all the hard work they have been putting in has paid off. The Tigers put in a good amount of time each practice focusing on special teams. This is something that Sims says most teams do not do and he is hoping to excel in. After Friday night, it looks as though the Tigers may have the upper hand on their opponents thanks to that extra work they put in at practice.
Richmond was quick to strike after the Tigers went up a touchdown on them, putting up the next two scores to regain the lead 19-15 as they headed into the locker room for half time.
Coming out of the half the Tigers looked ready to go as the offense stormed the field and waisted no time regaining the lead. Cody once again took over for the Tigers as he found the endzone for the second time of the evening on a 10 yard run. After a failed kick, the Tigers led 21-19.
Richmond put the next six on the board with a deep pass and that would be all they needed to close the game, going on to score one last time in the fourth to finish the Tigers off.
One of the plus sides of Friday’s game is that Excelsior looked like a team that has a chance to win quite a few games this season. Their offense has the potential to be really good with a solid offensive line and a running back that has a chance to break a long one at anytime, finishing the game with 131 yards on the ground. On the defensive side of the ball the Tigers looked pretty solid as well. They faced a good offense in Richmond and there are not too many teams this season that they will face that will put a threat on the field such as Cody Bowles, Richmond’s 6’3 200 pound quarterback who can run or throw at anytime.
The Tigers showed flashes of being a team that could play just about anybody and give them a run for their money. This Friday the Tigers will have a chance to show that once again in front of their hometown as they take on Savannah at 7 p.m. at Tiger Stadium.
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