We’re only one month into the 2019 season for the Tigard Varsity football team and although it still may be early, they have shown their might with their new head coach, John Kemper. With a slew of fantastic players and tough matchups, the Tigers have shown that they have taken every possible preparation for each game.
They started the season with a game just for the sport of it, against Newberg. This preseason game, known as a Jamboree, was to put themselves to the test before it could count for anything real.
They played their first season game away against Sunset High School. With it, came a lot of mistakes and a messy match, but the Tigers came away with a 1 – 0 record and scores of 45 – 22.
Traveling to Gresham, they faced off with Sam Barlow and gained another considerable win (35 – 3).
Eventually, they came back home to face Canby on their own turf for the first time this season. This is where their players really started to shine.
Tigard’s junior quarterback, Drew Carter (#9), made 8 for 9 passes for 187 yards. Running back Hunter Gilbert (#3) scored two touchdowns with 195 yards rushed ultimately giving them the win with 51 – 27.
These three games would all culminate in their latest game against #1 in the state and previous season champs: Lake Oswego. Tigard hadn’t played the Lakers since 2017, and as #2 in the state, this was their chance to sweep them off their feet.
Lake Oswego was able to score one touchdown in the first quarter giving them a temporary lead. Tigard had only managed a 3-point kick up until that point. However, THS took them by surprise with their wide receiver, Max Lenzy (#6).
Receiving the ball after a kick, Lenzy was able to run a 100-yard touchdown, making the score 10 – 7 where Tigard would only grow from there throughout the game.
Finishing the game 31 – 7 against the former #1 in the state, Tigard stole their title, at least for the time being.
“The kids were ready for this game. But, it’s early in the season so we can’t be satisfied with this one. We’ll take it one game at a time,” Head Coach Kemper said.
It’s only a month into the season with many games upcoming. Along with three other FNL games, Tigard will face their undefeated rival sitting at rank #6, Tualatin High School on Nov. 1 at home.