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Tigers shut out 23-0 in first conference loss

Mental mistakes were the downfall for the Rush City Tigers football team when they lost to East Central 23-10 on Oct. 3.
Coach Gary Wendorf said despite the score, the defense played well in the second half, shutting down East Centralís scoring attempts.
ìDefensively we really played well,î Wendorf said. ìThe kids were ready to play.î
Two key turns laid out what seemed to be fate last Friday night. The Tigers, coming into the game with a 4-1 record may have expected to win, but they mentally werenít prepared for the challenge the 6-0 East Central team would present.
In the first quarter, the Eagles returned a punt 28 yards to set up excellent field position, and capitalized by finding the endzone.
Leading 7-0, East Central recovered a fumble to set up its first TD of the quarter, and went on to intercept a Rush City pass to set up its second touchdown.
The Eagles passed for 25-yards to find the endzone on the second scoring drive of the quarter. The extra point kick was blocked, leaving the Tigers trailing 20-0 at the half.
ìThe punt return for 30 yards and pass interceptions put us in bad field position in the first half,î Wendorf said.
Rush Cityís defense held firm in the third quarter, shutting down East Central for no score. Unfortunately, the offense couldnít put a string of consistent plays together.
Offensively, the team lagged, Wendorf said. ìWe had some open receivers but couldnít connect.î
The Eagles capped off the win with a 30-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, after the Tigers stopped them on first and goal from the 8-yard line in an impressive defensive showing.
Wendorf recognized the struggle not in the teamís ability, but in their mental preparation for the game.
ìYou canít make mistakes against a ranked team and get away with it,î Wendorf said. ìThis was the first time in years the players had the opportunity to put themselves in the conference title race. It just didnít work out.
ìThe players need to put this game behind them and prepare for the next game.î
Recognized for great defensive efforts for the Tigers were Tim Karnick, Willie Barth, Ray Grabau, Tim Morris, Brent Freeman, Dan Gamache, Kris Guentzel and Ben Rustad.
The team hosts Braham this Friday night and will travel to Zimmerman for a mid-week battle Oct. 15.

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