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Tigers lose first district game to Newberry

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The first District match-up of the season for both teams couldn't turn out good for at least one of them.

Newberry got the ball first and had a great first drive that put them in an early lead. When the Tigers got their first chance on offense, they fumbled putting Newberry in control again. The Panthers' second possession ended with a field goal attempt that was no good.

Deven Perry #5 takes the Tigers closer to a TD

The Tigers brought their offense to the field again and with a dominant running game, were able to put 6 points on the board with just over ten minutes remaining in the second quarter.

An "out of bounds" kickoff gave Newberry great field position at the 35. The Tigers’ strong defense was able to stop the Panthers on this drive and with just over two minutes left in the first half, Tiger Deven Perry #5 was able to take it in for a go ahead score.

The Tiger kickoff had to be done twice due to penalties. Although the Tigers stopped #7

Ryan Brown on the first attempt, they couldn't duplicate that on the second one…and Brownblew past everyone on the field to put Newberry ahead once again 14-12.

After the half, the Tigers were first on offense. They had a great drive and were down inside the red zone when a pass by the Tiger QB, #4 Chris Alexander was intercepted by Panthers' DB, #16 DeTavious Ross. The Tiger fans then experienced DejaVu as they watched Ross run to the other end of the field. A few plays later extended the Panthers lead to 21-12.

Justin Tyson #20 carries for a Tiger first down.

A touchback on the kickoff gave the Tigers the ball at their own 20 yard line. Their drive ended with a punt to Newberry and then, just like clockwork, Newberry's drive ended with a punt to the Tigers. The Tigers' second possession in this game of "back and forth" was kept alive by Alvin Jernigan #12 on a QB keeper. Deven Perry continued with his great game play by making another touchdown for the Tigers.

The score was 18-21 when the Panthers started their final drive on the 26 yard line. A sack by Tiger's #24; Lonnie Gosha made Newberry work for it on a 3rd and 13. On 4th and 3 for the Panthers, the Tiger defense jumped offside, giving Newberry an automatic 1st down and the win.

Deven Perry, the Chapman Photography Player of the Game for the Tigers said, "It felt great to have so many rushing yards in a game, but I wish that we could have come out with a win." He credited his rushing success to the Tiger O-Line for the blocking they provided. He also added that, "he loved those guys." Deven's positive outlook was affirmed when he said, "next week we will come out and get it right".

#7 Ryan Brown takes it in for first Panther TD.

When asked how they prepare their team for a game, Newberry Head Coach, Tommy Keeler responded, "We start by going over mistakes from our last game and trying not to repeat them. Tonight, we had their attention and their focus before the game. We also had a great bus ride here. We were the one to beat". The Newberry team lost 19 seniors last year and this year's team is made up of mostly Juniors and Sophomores. Coach Keeler said, "To get our 1st District win, we're pretty excited about that. We weren't sure we'd be where we are right now after coming off last year, but it looks like we've got something to build on and that's great!"

The Tigers host the Santa Fe Raiders next week for their Homecoming game, and Newberry also celebrates their Homecoming as they play Hawthorne.

#16 DeTavious Ross (far right) intercepts pass from Tiger QB.

Tigerettes perform with UC Band at halftime.

Lonnie Gosha, #24 sacks the Newberry QB.