Ardmore Tigers Impressive
In Jamboree Win
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by Dwight Turner No one knew exactly what to expect as Ardmore High School’s Varsity Football Team took to the gridiron last Friday night in a pre-season jamboree game at Wilson. New Head Coach Tracy Malone had the Tigers working hard throughout the pre-season, but after last year’s winless regular season, area fans were rightfully uncertain about what would happen when the rubber met the road. |
Ardmore’s Landon Curtis (44) runs through a pile of blockers including Kyle Smith (56) and Jordan Angus (70) plus defenders for a big first down before being tackled by Wilson’s (5) in the Tigers’ win over Wilson. (photo by Bobby Malone) |
The Tigers wasted little time in answering the fans’ questions.
Led by solid defensive play and a talented but still inconsistent offense, Ardmore rolled to an impressive 19-7 win.
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“I am very pleased with how the kids played overall,” said Malone in a post-game interview. “I am also pleased with how they handled the whole experience including the bus ride over there, the team meal, and especially the delay in starting the game.” Malone was referring to the fact that the game officials showed up some 45 minutes late. “I think we played really well on defense,” continued Malone. “We held as a defense and only gave up two big plays, one a quarterback run and the other a pass play.” Ardmore scored on its first possession, driving the ball downfield with solid play at all positions, especially on the offensive line. The drive culminated in an 11-yard touchdown run by tailback Derrick Green. The Tigers failed on the extra point attempt. The Tigers hit pay dirt again on their next possession when wide receiver Duron Robinson made a spectacular catch on a 20-yard pass from quarterback Clay Wales. This time the extra-point attempt was good. |
Tiger’s Tavo Sanchez (2) breaks the tackle of a Wilson (2) defender in the Tiger’s win over the Warriors, 19-7. (photo by Bobby Malone) |
Malone had particular praise for Robinson’s play on both sides of the ball.
“Duron made a great catch for a touchdown on the Alley-Oop play,” commented Malone. “He also pulled off a great interception on Wilson’s next possession.”
Wilson got on the scoreboard with a touchdown with 8:38 remaining in the half. The Tigers led 13-7 heading into the locker room at halftime.
In the second half, the Tigers’ offense seemed to bog down a bit, beset by several costly penalties, one at the Wilson two-yard-line. Ardmore scored a late touchdown when Travis Toone bulled into the end zone from one yard out, giving the Tigers a 19-7 lead.
“I think in the second half we found some kids that are capable of giving us more depth,” said Malone. “We are strong at fullback and have at least three running backs who can come in and contribute as well. What we need to do now is find a few backup receivers.”
Malone intends to keep the Tigers sharp in preparation for this Friday’s opening game against arch rival Elkmont.
Kickoff for the home game against the Red Devils is slated for 7 P. M. at Cooper Field.