Pictured is Raine Hecox, Branson Carver, and Tommy Pham
When the Mansfield Jr High Tigers set out at the beginning of their season, they knew it wasn’t going to be a cakewalk. They already had a few things stacked against them like size and numbers. But what many failed to realize was that these players were Tigers. And Tigers don’t back down when faced with adversity. They laugh and say “Bring it on!” With a heavy schedule in front of them, Mansfield walked onto the field at every game with their heads held high. And no matter how bad the outcome of those games were, they walked off of the field the exact same way.
Thursday night at Booneville was no different. Mansfield was in hostile territory. They faced a big uphill climb against the powerhouse Bearcats. But did that phase their determination? NO. The Tigers took each blow that Booneville threw at them with poise and maturity. At the end of the battle, Mansfield boldly took the loss 38-0. With two games left on the season, the Tigers sit with a 2-3 conference play record.
At the conclusion of the game, the Tigers earned 181 total yards with 42 of those yards being rushing. Quarterback Fisher Willsey completed 17 passes for 139 yards and two interceptions. Willsey also rushed the ball three times for a total of 14 yards. Unshaken by the Bearcats pressure was Caleb Collier and Tyler Woolbright who each earned 12 rushing yards with their three and four carries respectively. And Branson Carver was cool and collected as he rushed the Tiger ball for four yards.
The Tigers were unflinching in the receiving department. Drew Elmore was hard to stop in his running game as he saw the ball seven times for a total of 80 yards. Tearing downfield for six receptions was Tyler Turnipseed who sealed a total of 53 yards. Also seeing action with their own receptions were Peyton Martin, Logan Cravey, and Greyson Baggett. Although Mansfield failed to put any puts up, it wasn’t from lack of trying. Literally putting their bodies on the line the entire night through every push, bump, and slam in trying to help their receivers achieve success were John Broadway, Dakota Langford, Kindel Noblitt, Austin Quinalty, and Braxton Byers.
The Jr High Tigers have two opponents left to face in their football season. On Thursday, October 24 at 7 p.m. Mansfield will host their last home game against the Lamar Warriors. And on Tuesday, October 29, the Tigers will travel to Cedarville to face the Pirates for their final game of the year. So throw on your RED, grab your cowbells, and finish out the season showing your Jr High Tigers what true fan support is!
