JR High Tigers Take Tough Loss

The Mansfield Junior High Tigers traveled to Greenland last night to face off against the Greenland Pirates.
The Tigers had trouble getting their feet beneath them falling behind 7-0 early in the 1st Quarter. The Tigers offense and defense struggled to make the needed adjustments to both protect and find the end zone.
Tiger offensive line dug deep and made a heroic push deep into Pirate territory guiding and protecting Quarterback, Zayne Dugan to a 1st Down. That sole push was the turning point of the game and much needed momentum.
From there, it was a battle to control the clock, and the ongoing penalties the Tigers continually faced.

Mansfield had three touchdowns called back due to a variety of calls, all which were debated by the crowd. The most sensitive of the calls, was a touchdown that to many fans was well within the end zone. But, the ongoing controversy was just beginning. Through an onslaught of calls that held the Tigers from scoring, it came down to one play.
The Tigers defense stood tall protecting the end zone on a Greenland drive and took over the ball in Greenland territory. The Tigers drove the ball just over mid-field with 10 seconds on the clock, and it wasn’t stopping. Quarterback Dugan threw to a receiver in the end zone to be batted down by a Pirate. The Tigers loss wasn’t due to lack of effort, talent or coaching, but from the beginning the odds just seemed to be stacked against them.
Despite the loss, wisdom and sportsmanship prevailed. Below is a note from a player whom he sent to his teammates.
“Good job tonight boys. Even though we lost 26-20, we still played a heck of a game and I wouldn’t want to play for another team. We were CHE@$ED but we got to keep our heads up and play with discipline. Love you guys.”