The sixth-rated Griffin Bears stepped onto Olvey field looking to repeat their 48-0 shutout performance from last season against the Bradwell Tigers.
This year however, the Tigers sharpened their claws and tucked their ears back into attack mode and gave the Bears a run for their money. Although the final score still reflected a win for the Bears (24-14) the Tigers still have plenty to feel good about.
“I feel good despite the loss,” head coach Jim Walsh said. “Again I think we were our own worst enemy. We had two block punts that Griffin was able to capitalize and score on. Their other touchdown was due one of our Defensive backs that tried to make a play and he lost in that gamble,” he said.
What the Tigers need to feel good about is their ability to open the passing game and spread the ball out to several receivers. According to Walsh quarterback Josh Magaw threw for more than 225 yards Friday night. Receivers Ronald Joseph, Manual Crum and Demario Day were able to make the receptions. Day ran for 60 yards after catching a pass from Magaw and all together the offense was able to move the ball.
“Offensively we came out and we were going to try and run the ball a little and mix it up,” Walsh said. “But, their defensive front guys were just so much bigger than us that we had a hard time with that. We worked on our passing game, we bogged down at times but we moved the ball. We are definitely getting to where we want to be offensively.”
Walsh said he knew the first couple of games on the Tigers schedule would be against tough and top notch teams but said that would help strengthen the Tigers as they prepare for regional action.
“Griffin is ranked sixth in the state for a reason,” he said. “Last year we struggled against Griffin and this year it could have gone either way. We just need to clean up a few things and by the time region play starts we should be clicking on all cylinders. We are so close to putting it all together. I told the kids after the game last night this is probably the most physical we looked in three years. We are going after people we are playing physical football it just seems like the critical mistakes come at the wrong time.”
The team goes back to work on Monday as they prep for another tough and physical challenge against Coffee County. Walsh plans to work on developing the kicking game and continue to develop the back up players n order to keep fresh players in the game at all times.
The Tigers will kick off against Coffee County Friday at 7:30 p.m. at home. The game will also be broadcast live on WOAH 106.3 FM.
This year however, the Tigers sharpened their claws and tucked their ears back into attack mode and gave the Bears a run for their money. Although the final score still reflected a win for the Bears (24-14) the Tigers still have plenty to feel good about.
“I feel good despite the loss,” head coach Jim Walsh said. “Again I think we were our own worst enemy. We had two block punts that Griffin was able to capitalize and score on. Their other touchdown was due one of our Defensive backs that tried to make a play and he lost in that gamble,” he said.
What the Tigers need to feel good about is their ability to open the passing game and spread the ball out to several receivers. According to Walsh quarterback Josh Magaw threw for more than 225 yards Friday night. Receivers Ronald Joseph, Manual Crum and Demario Day were able to make the receptions. Day ran for 60 yards after catching a pass from Magaw and all together the offense was able to move the ball.
“Offensively we came out and we were going to try and run the ball a little and mix it up,” Walsh said. “But, their defensive front guys were just so much bigger than us that we had a hard time with that. We worked on our passing game, we bogged down at times but we moved the ball. We are definitely getting to where we want to be offensively.”
Walsh said he knew the first couple of games on the Tigers schedule would be against tough and top notch teams but said that would help strengthen the Tigers as they prepare for regional action.
“Griffin is ranked sixth in the state for a reason,” he said. “Last year we struggled against Griffin and this year it could have gone either way. We just need to clean up a few things and by the time region play starts we should be clicking on all cylinders. We are so close to putting it all together. I told the kids after the game last night this is probably the most physical we looked in three years. We are going after people we are playing physical football it just seems like the critical mistakes come at the wrong time.”
The team goes back to work on Monday as they prep for another tough and physical challenge against Coffee County. Walsh plans to work on developing the kicking game and continue to develop the back up players n order to keep fresh players in the game at all times.
The Tigers will kick off against Coffee County Friday at 7:30 p.m. at home. The game will also be broadcast live on WOAH 106.3 FM.