ROCKFORD – In spite of early game penalties, the Tigers defeated Parkway 37-12 Friday night.
On the Panthers initial drive, the Tigers has a running into and a roughing the kicker penalty that gave the Panthers first downs. The Tigers were called for roughing the passer, giving the Panthers a first down deep in Tiger territory.
“We made some mistakes. That’s something we got to clear up.” Coach Ryan Jones said, “I thought we did a better job as the game went on. The defense got stronger and stronger.”
The penalties were costly, as the Panthers scored on a four-yard pass with 4:44 left in the first quarter. The extra point was ineffective.
Ross Francis carried the load on the Tigers’ first drive, which started at their own 48-yard line. While Francis got the bulk of the carries, Landyn Knapke scored with 9.3 seconds left in the first quarter. The extra point was good, and the Tigers had a 7-6 lead.
The Tiger defense regrouped and forced a punt on the Panthers’ next drive.
“They were able to drive the ball down to start the game, get a touchdown up on us.” Coach Jones said. “I was really happy how we responded.”
A six-play drive capped by a 32-yard touchdown pass to Jace Watren put the Tigers up 14-6. The next Panther possession ended on their first play as Ross Francis picked off a pass and took it 23 yards for a pick-six. The Tigers missed the extra point but had a 20-6 lead.
Parkway would turn the ball over on downs at the Tiger 31-yard line. Ethan Wilker would hit Watren on a 48-yard pass that set up a two-yard touchdown run by Ross Francis. With 5:11 left in the first half, the Tigers took control of the game 27-6.
Tyler Barga intercepted a Panther pass and set the Tigers up at the Parkway 48-yard line. Watren scored a touchdown on a 32-yard pass from Wilker with 49 seconds left in the first half, and the Tigers were up 34-7.
The Tigers received the second-half kickoff and kicked a 34-yard field goal for a 37-6 lead.
A running clock was started, and the Tigers started substituting some reserve players. Parkway was able to get another touchdown with 7:25 left in the game. A two-point conversion attempt was no good.
Jace Watren returned the kickoff to the Panther 25-yard line. The Tigers would turn the ball over on downs. Parkway moved the ball before a Kade Schwartz interception stopped the drive.
With the win, the Tigers set up a showdown of unbeaten as they host Marion Local Friday night. The Flyers will have the opportunity to tie the Tigers’ 54-game winning streak with a victory.
