Football Season Has Arrived!

The football season has started, and this year’s team is small (13) but determined and ready to take on all comers. Led by seven seniors, they are intent upon playing their best as they return to 11-man after five years and a state championship in 2018 playing 8-man.

The Tigers started their season on Aug. 29 when Cardinal came to town. Led by head coach Darrin Loyd, and assistant coaches Damon Loyd and Ben Fry, the Tigers were ready.

QB London Franklin passed for 112 yard and rushed for 207 yards on 19 carries. Twin brother Logan Franklin added 106 yards on 16 carries. The Tigers had 114 receiving yards from Cale Westerbeck, Israel Lemley, and Brigham Porter.

Leading tacklers were Westerbeck, the Franklin brothers, Carter Adams, and Nic Loyd. Logan Franklin, London Franklin, and Lemley each had a two-point conversion.

The final score was Tigers 36 — Cardinal Comets 32.

The Tigers traveled to Pekin Sept. 5 to take on the Panthers. Although the boys gave it all they had, Pekin proved to be a handful. The final score was Pekin 68 — NL 20. QB London Franklin was 15/30 passing for 221 yards, three TDs, and one interception. Israel Lemley caught five passes for 28 yards. Brigham Porter pulled in four for 65 yards and two TDs. Cale Westerbeck scored the other Tiger TD. London Franklin had a 2-point conversion.

Nic Loyd led the defense with 5.5 tackles with 4 of those solo. Other standouts were Owen Severson, Westerbeck, and the Franklin brothers.

Next up for the Tigers is a trip to Highland HS on Sept. 12. The Tigers are (1-1) and Highland is (0-1). Go Tigers!