Rothsay started off with the ball and after 5 straight running plays the Tigers found the end zone on a 37-yard score.  The 2 point attempt failed, but the Tigers took a 6-0 lead.  Verndale gave it right back to Rothsay as the Tiger defense forced a fumble on their second play from scrimmage.  This time the Tigers were unable to capitalize as they had a turnover on downs, stopping just short of the first down marker.  The Pirates found some success but Rothsay forced their own turnover on downs deep in their own territory.  With a long field ahead of them the Tigers looked for a home run and get it they did, scoring on an 86 yard touchdown run to increase their lead to 12-0 in the first quarter.

At the start of the second quarter the Pirates scored their first touchdown on a drive highlighted by a 52-yard pass and scoring on a 9-yard run.  The 2 point attempt was good and the Tigers lead was cut to 12-8.  After forcing a punt, Verndale scored again to take the lead at 14-12.

Verndale chewed up most of the 3rd quarter clock on a long, slow drive capped off by a 7-yard touchdown run on 4th down. The 2 point play was successful and Verndale increased their lead to 22-12.  Down by two scores, and with only a few minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter the Tiger offense would have to find what they had in the first quarter.  They did find it and scored on an 8-yard touchdown run.  The 2 point play closed the gap, but Verndale still led 22-20 in the 4th quarter.  The Tiger defense needed a stop, but the 4-1 Pirates were just too physical scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run. A big stop on the 2 point play kept it a one score game with 3 minutes left.  Down 28-20, Rothsay would need to cover some ground in a hurry.  After moving the ball their first few plays, a fumble allowed the Pirates to run out the clock for a final score of 28-20.

“We battled all night,” said Rothsay Head Coach Joshua Nordick. “It was a close one where we had our chance to win at the end. The boys played hard and deserved to win, but that is football as it is life, sometimes you lose.”

Colby Larson led the Tigers with 235 yards rushing on 26 carries, scoring three touchdowns.  He also had sixteen tackles on the night.

The Tigers will wait to see who their next opponent is as section 4 playoffs start on Tuesday.  Rothsay is currently tied with 3 other teams, and it is up to a coach’s vote.