'Lil Tigers "A" Squad Cuts Down the Giants, Gains Second Win

The 'Lil Tigers "A" squad, which won handily against Albany in its first game, seemingly had to take on giants in their second game, against Southeast Warren. The Warhawks came loaded with skyscraper twins Tucker and Taren Dierking, one listed at 191 pounds and one listed at 197, two strong runningbacks in Gavin Byers and Sawyer Allen, and a quarterback who could get them the ball in Tripp Rambo. What looked like a close game between two heavyweights was unfortunately cut short when Rambo was knocked out of the game during Southeast's second drive after a hard tackle from Bentin Roberts, and the Tigers took control afterwards, getting the 54-0 win. 

Worth County started off strongly, as they forced a three and out and Brock Healy made a highlight film play when he got blocks from Jace Burns and Bentin Roberts, found a hole down the right side, was seemingly walled in by the green shirts, but bounced over to the left side and took it to the house to make it 6-0. But then it looked like Southeast would form a juggernaught as they moved slowly but surely down the field. Rambo was on target with his short passes to Taren Dierking, and Byers mixed in some runs as the Warhawks marched to the Tiger 31. But then a big hit by Bentin Roberts knocked Rambo out of the game, Byers had to move over to quarterback, and the Tigers were able to hold on defense when Jace Burns dropped him for a loss on the Tiger 28 as the Tigers held on downs.

Jordan Dannar slipped and fell on his first option play, but found daylight on his next try for 18 yards, getting blocks from Jace Burns and Bentin Roberts along the way. Roberts picked up 21 yards on a reverse after getting a block from Jeric Bernacchi down to the Warhawk 13, and then Brock Healy rolled out for a pass. Jordan Dannar threw a block on a blitzing linebacker that bought him time, and he threw a strike to Wesley Brown for a score at the end of the first quarter that put the Tigers up 12-0.

Back to back sacks from Jace Burns and Jordan Dannar, and a pass breakup from Bentley Frisch forced a three and out, and Frisch got loose on a reverse. He took it down the left side, and then reversed it back down the right side for 14 yards to the Warhawk 30. Brock Healy then hit Bentin Roberts out in the left flat, and he got a block from Jace Burns and got to the house again. Healy scrambled into the end zone for the extra point to make it 19-0 with 10:53 left.

Just as it looked like Southeast might find their footing with Byers playing pitch and catch with his huge tight ends, the Warhawks fumbled it and Roberts pounced on it at the 40. The Tigers overcame a pair of false starts as Brock Healy faked a reverse and took it down the right side for 15 yards and a first down at the Warhawk 27. Jordan Dannar took an option the rest of the way, and Brown caught the extra point pass to make it 27-0. Healy picked off a pass to kill Southeast's last drive of the half.

Worth County set themselves back with a holding penalty and a fumble to start the second half, all the way back to their own 5. But that only made things more interesting, as they set up a perfectly designed screen pass and Healy's pass to Bentin Roberts went 75 yards to the house with 12:46 left. The longest plays from scrimmage for the 'Lil Tigers were an 80 yard pass from Ben Badell against South Harrison in Lamoni at the Super Bowl on a play in which he led his man down the field perfectly, and an 80 yard run from Caleb Parman against Bedford when he was only in third grade. Brock Healy ran in the extra point to make it 34-0.

Southeast tried to throw it to Tucker Dierking, but good gang tackling by the Tigers limited him to one yard. Then, Xander Bodle picked off a pass and returned it to the Southeast 17. That set up a 17 yard reverse to Bentin Roberts for a score with 8:57 left. Bentley Frisch ran in the extra point to make it 41-0.

The Warhawks tried to establish their ground game, with initial success as Byers picked up eight yards. But then Brock Healy made a pair of perfect one on one tackles on the much bigger Southeast backs, the second on fourth and one, and the Tigers held on downs at the Southeast 32. A holding penalty set them back to the 40, but Wesley Brown's sweep took the Tigers 15 yards to the 25. A fumble set up third and three, but then Bentley Frisch took it 16 yards to the 9, and Brown took it the rest of the way to the house after getting a block from Jace Burns. Xander Bodle took an option for the extra points to make it 48-0.

A pair of runs from Sawyer Allen and Gavin Byers got the Warhawks into Tiger territory, but for some reason, on fourth and three at the Tiger 30, they elected to kick it away rather than go for it with a manageable down and distance. That set up Worth County's last score as Frisch ripped off 11 yards following a block from Bodle, a 22 yard carry from Wesley Brown after breaking three tackles put the Tigers on the 25, Frisch picked up 14 to the 12 after getting blocks from Bodle and Brown, and Bodle took it to the house with 3:26 left. Bentin Roberts got a sack to kill Southeast's final drive, and Worth County was able to kill the clock.

Worth County got nearly 400 yards for the day, getting 25 plays for 394 yards, while they held Southeast to 23 plays and 73 yards. Brock Healy had 5 rushes for 77 yards, Jordan Dannar 3 carries for 45 yards. Bentin Roberts 2 carries for 38 yards, Bentley Frisch 5 carries for 52 yards, Wesley Brown 3 carries for 46 yards, and Xander Bodle 2 carries for 11 yards. Brock Healy had four completions in four attempts for 125 yards. Bentin Roberts had 2 catches for 105 yards, while Wesley Brown had 2 catches for 20 yards.

Strong Line Play Leads 'Lil Tigers "B" Squad to First Win

The 'Lil Tigers junior squad needed to get out and reestablish dominance after dropping a track meet to Albany in their first game. In Saturday's 45-0 win over Southeast Warren, they set the tone right away when Silas Brown got a pick on Southeast's first play from scrimmage. Then, they overcame a fumble as strong line play helped lead the Tigers into the end zone, a theme that would repeat itself all day long. The line was firing out and holding their blocks as the Tiger backs, Liam Cordell, Wyatt Scadden, and Cole Hardy, got loose all day long. The Tigers overcame a fourth and three at the Warhawk 15 as Cordell bounced outside to the seven, and then Scadden got around the edge on a sweep to put the Tigers on the board. Cordell threw a strike to Scadden to put the Tigers up 8-0.

The Tigers overcame an offsides penalty on their next series as Hudson Cameron tackled Nicholas Piekema short of the first down and the Warhawks were forced to punt. On their second play from scrimmage, Wyatt Scadden got good blocking up front, bounced to the outside, and scored from 50 yards out. Cordell threw a strike to Scadden for the extra points with 3:33 left in the first quarter to make it 16-0.

Hudson Cameron was all over the field early for the Tigers, breaking up a pass on third down to force another punt, and Weston Hill had a tackle for loss on the series as well. The Warhawk defense was not set up, and it cost them as Scadden took it 55 yards to the house early in the second quarter to put him over 100 yards already in the game. Gracin Runde caught the extra point pass from Cordell to make it 24-0.

Brock Adwell got pressure from the edge and forced an incompletion, and Southeast was forced to punt again. Worth County started from their own 25, and this time, Liam Cordell bounced out to the left side. He was seemingly pushed out of bounds after a short gain, but the whistle never blew and he reversed field to the right side for a 19 yard gain to the Warhawk 36. Cole Hardy picked up 24 more to the 12, and Scadden took it the rest of the way on a reverse down the left side to make it 30-0 with 6:33 left in the half.

The Warhawks finally found some daylight as two Tiger defenders collided with each other and Charles Olsasky got loose for 15 yards to the Tiger 37. A pass interference put it on the 18, but then a holding penalty, a false start, and two incompletions killed the drive and kept the shutout intact at halftime.

With the game well in hand in the second half, Worth County sought to work on its passing game, but Cordell was picked off to start the half. But a false start and a bad snap forced another third and long, and Mason Hiatt had a pass breakup to get the defense off the field. This time, Cordell threw a strike to Scadden, who ran hard and delivered a big hit at the end of the 19 yard catch and run to the Warhawk 36. Cole Hardy ripped off gains of 13 and 18, weaving his way through tacklers along the way. He was stopped for no gain on his third try, but Liam Cordell got a block from Wyatt Scadden and took it the rest of the way, and Cole Hardy ran in the extra point to make it 37-0 after the third quarter.

Southeast found some daylight late as two runs from Olsasky got them to midfield. But then Weston Hill stepped up and made some big hits for the Tigers. who stopped the Warhawks cold and they took over at the 25. Cole Hardy took a short pass to the 29, and then Wyatt Scadden got his last big run of the day as a defensive lineman overran the play and Scadden was gone, taking it to the house from 51 yards out with 4:17 left in the game. Cordell completed the extra point pass to Scadden to make it 45-0. Hill got a pick to kill Southeast's last drive, allowing the Tigers to kill the clock.

The Tigers racked up over 318 total yards on 22 plays, while holding Southeast to 50 yards on 26 plays. Scadden had 7 carries for 183 yards, while Hardy had 7 carries for 65 yards and Liam Cordell 4 carries for 51 yards. Cordell had 2 completions in four attempts. Scadden had 1 catch for 19 yards, while Hardy had 1 catch for 4 yards.

Les New Retires From Coaching ‘Lil Tigers, Three Titles

Les New announced Sunday evening at the ‘Lil Tigers banquet that he was retiring after 11 years of coaching with the organization. He won three titles, in 2015, 2019, and 2020, and came close several other times. Other members of the staff presented him with a photo plaque with all the teams he had coached over the years. He will leave the team in good shape, as the junior squad this year lost only two games and was runner-up.

He was quick to give credit this year to all the other coaches along with the people who worked behind the scenes to make the team work. He paid tribute to Richard Baker, who founded the franchise in 2007 and was the senior squad’s first coach.

New will go out on top, with back to back titles. He said this year’s squad was one of the easiest to coach, as they all knew the game and bought in. He encouraged the players not to let their ‘Lil Tigers experience be their peak, but to do well academically so that they could continue to do well through junior high and high school. He will continue to coach the Worth County Junior High and High School basketball teams. He also resigned as girls basketball coach following the end of the 2019-2020 season.

Junior Squad Rally Falls Short vs. Bedford

Worth County's Junior Squad put up a gallant effort against Bedford, but the combination of Brantly Nally and Nolan Drake proved to be too much for them in the championship round as they fell to the Bulldogs 26-15 Saturday. Nonetheless, they were able to look back and realize that they had a good season.

Nally and the Bulldogs overcame a holding penalty to get into the end zone in the first quarter before Jordan Dannar ripped off a 49 yard run to put the Tigers up 8-7 after the extra point pass. But then Nally and the Bulldogs threatened to snowball the game after a defensive lapse left Nolan Drake wide open for a catch and run to make it 20-8 with 2:24 left in the first half. 

Nally was a force behind the helm for Bedford; only in fourth grade, he was a constant threat to run or pass, while Drake was a difficult man to bring down. Things threatened to go from bad to worse late in the half when Bedford threatened. But then Jordan Dannar got a pick at the Tiger 15 to kill the drive, and the Tigers were still in the game at the half.

An early interception by Worth County gave Bedford a short field to work with and another chance to make it three possessions. But Dannar’s pick totally changed the mindset of the Tiger defense; they started believing they could stop Nally and the Bulldogs. A pass to J.D. Musich put it on the 18, but then Jeric Bernacchi stopped Drake for a loss, Worth County forced an incompletion, and then Nally was stopped two yards short of the sticks for fourth and two at the 10. Once again, Bernacchi rose to the occasion, dropping Drake for no gain, giving the Tigers the ball back on downs at the 10.

Worth County started finding daylight, getting as far as their own 37, including a 10 yard run from Brock Healy against nine Bedford players. But then they fumbled it, and once again they had to make a stand. A 17 yard scramble by Nally put the ball on the 10, but once again Worth County made a stand. First, there was an incomplete pass, and then Jace Burns put a big hit on Nally that left him shaken up at the 8. Bentin Roberts blew up a short pass to Drake as they tried unsuccessfully to isolate him on a smaller defender, and then Burns dropped Nally again at the 10 to give the ball back to the Tigers on downs.

Bentin Roberts lost two yards to the eight on the next play, but then picked up 11 to the 19 on the next. Brock Healy ripped off 9 yards and then completed a short pass to Jordan Dannar on the right side. He reversed his field to the left and picked up 16 to the Bedford 36. Brock Healy picked up five more to the 31. From there, Bentin Roberts carried the Tigers on his shoulders, helped by the blocking of Jordan Dannar; he picked up 10 to the 21, and then took the rest to the house with 8:52 left. He ran in the extra point to make it 20-15.

But then Bedford answered with the backbreaker, as Nolan Drake ripped off 11 yards to the 36, and then Brantly Nally carried the team on his shoulders the rest of the way. He ripped off 21 yards to the Tiger 23, rescued a third and seven with an 8 yard run to the 12, and then took it to the house with 3:35 left in the game.

Worth County tried to answer as Brock Healy picked up nine yards and then Wyatt Scadden caught a 19 yard pass to the 27. Bentin Roberts picked up five more to the 22. An offsides penalty wiped out a sack, but then Worth County could not take advantage as they got a holding penalty that killed the drive.

‘Lil Tigers Senior Squad Clinches Undefeated Championship

Worth County’s ‘Lil Tigers Senior Squad capped off an undefeated season Saturday by knocking off Bedford 42-8. The Tigers jumped out on Bedford early; the Bulldogs made a stand through much of the second quarter. But after a late stop in the first half, Worth County got back on track and pulled away for the win.

The Tigers set the tone right off the bat as Dylan Smith got a pick to set up a short field at the Bedford 27. Caleb New ripped off 14 yards, Cole Ruby caught a shovel pass for nine to the four, and then Bo Collins caught a pass for a score from Hayden Sanders to put the Tigers up 8-0 after Caleb New caught the extra point pass.

Like the week before against East Union, Ethan Linninger was a wrecking crew in the backfield, shooting the gaps and dropping Bedford backs for losses all afternoon. He had a tackle for loss on the ensuing series, and Bedford was forced to punt.

Worth County was faced with fourth and inches at its own 27, but elected to go for it and Caleb New converted a sweep for 19 yards to the Bedford 34. The Tigers overcame a sack as New took off again, taking a cutback run 35 yards to the house with 5:52 left to make it 14-0.

Bedford was faced with fourth and one on its own 35 and tried to go for it, but a fumbled snap was pounced on by Lance Runde, and the Tigers took over. They could not do anything with it, but then Hayden Sanders had a strip and fumble recovery at the Bedford 33. One play later, Cole Ruby weaved his way through traffic for a score and Bo Collins caught the extra point pass to make it 22-0 with 10:09 left. 

Bedford finally found daylight with a 36 yard cutback run from John Deemer to the Tiger 11, and then a pass from Trace Ewart to Dallyn Neudorff put Bedford on the board at 22-8 with 5:35 left after a pass to Deemer.

Worth County tried to go for it on fourth and ten at the Bedford 34, but a sack gave Bedford good field position at midfield. A score would have made it a brand new ballgame, but Worth County made a stand, holding Bedford at the 19 as the first half time expired.

The Tigers were able to refocus during halftime and came out strongly in the second half. The blocking was much better, with the linemen doing much better at holding their blocks. Caleb New ripped off gains of 16 and 4 before taking one 35 yards to the house with 13:34 left in the third. Bo Collins caught the extra point pass to make it 30-8.

Worth County forced its fourth Bedford turnover as Caleb New stole a pitch and Worth County set up at the Bedford 35. Cole Ruby and Caleb New marched the ball down to the 15, when Caleb New threw a strike to Bo Collins for a score to make it 36-8 with 4:55 left in the third. 

The Tigers scored again after Lance Runde stopped Deemer two yards short of a first down on the Bedford 33. They only needed one play to score their final tally as Bedford tried a blitz, but overran Cole Ruby, who took it to the house for the final score. Bo Collins batted down two passes on the defensive end in the closing minutes as Bedford was trying some desperation passes in an effort to get back into the game.

Bo Collins, Ethan Linninger Wreak Defensive Havoc as ‘Lil Tiger Senior Squad Pitches Shutout

Bo Collins and Ethan Linninger wreaked defensive havoc for the Tigers Saturday in the Senior Squad game, as they pitched a 46-0 shutout over East Union Saturday. Both squads finished undefeated for the pool portion of their season. The Tigers will play a championship game in either Bedford or Lenox. The Tigers were the Eastern Division champions, and will play the Western Division Champions in the Pride of Iowa Youth Football League. 

The two teams started off playing a defensive struggle for the first part of the game. That all changed when East Union gambled by going for it on fourth and two from inside their own territory, at their own 28. Toryn Privett dropped Wyatt Patten one yard short of the first down, and the Tigers had a short field to work with. A facemask put the ball on the 22, and then Cole Ruby, one of the littlest players on the team, broke loose for the Tigers’ first score with 6:19 left to make it 6-0. 

Bo Collins dropped Patten on one play for a loss of four, and a bad snap killed the Eagles’ next drive. Worth County only needed one play to score as Cole Ruby took a sweep down the left side, weaved his way through two defenders, and was off to the races for a 49 yard score with 3:50 left. Caleb New caught the two point pass to make it 14-0.

On the next series, Bo Collins sacked Patten, and then Collins and Ethan Linninger combined to drop him on another play to force a three and out. Linninger, at 183 pounds, anchors the defensive line for the Tigers and he showed that he can move all over the field to make plays. The last player to show that kind of mobility on the defensive line was Drake Kinsella. Worth County was buried on third and long at their own 28, but then Hayden Sanders led Bo Collins perfectly on a deep ball, and he took it the rest of the way for a 52 yard scoring strike as time expired in the first quarter to put the Tigers up 20-0.

Lininger had another tackle for loss on the next series, and East Union went three and out. On third and two from their own 32, Sanders once again struck gold as the Tigers carried out a perfectly run play action pass and Sanders led Collins again for a strike, this time for 48 yards. Caleb New caught the two point pass to make it 28-0.

Lininger had yet another tackle for loss for the Tigers, and then Toryn Privett had a good heads up play when East Union faked the shotgun snap, sent one of their backs in motion to under center, and tried to catch them off guard with a sneak play. A pair of long runs set up Worth County’s next score, as Cole Ruby ripped off 15 yards to the 35, and then Caleb New took it the rest of the way, 45 yards to the house to make it 34-0 with 6:01 left in the half.

Once again, East Union tried to go for it, and once again, it backfired, as a botched screen on fourth and six gave the Tigers a short field to work with at the Eagles 29. Cole Ruby picked up six, breaking several tackles along the way, and then Hayden Sanders took it to the house as he took a keeper, read his block perfectly, and cut it back inside for a score to make it 40-0 at the break.

Worth County sat on their lead for the remainder of the game, using the second half to break in some new people at the skill positions. Their only score came when Hayden Sanders got a pick six with 7:09 left in the fourth quarter to make it 46-0.

Brock Healy’s Late Score Sparks ‘Lil Tigers Junior Squad to Win

Brock Healy’s late first half scramble broke a 12-12 tie, and the ‘Lil Tigers Junior Squad was sparked to a 30-12 win over East Union Saturday. The Tigers jumped out to an early 12-0 lead, gave up a couple of big plays to let the Eagles back into the game, and then found new life in the second half, making some key defensive stops after Healy’s dash to the end zone to end the first half.

The Tigers set the tone early after a hard tackle by Bentin Roberts and another by Wyatt Scadden forced a punt. Worth County was driven back from the 20 to its own nine on two plays, but then Brock Healy threw a strike to Jordan Dannar, who broke a host of tackles and took it to the house with 8:27 left in the first quarter. Three blue shirts ran into each other trying to tackle the elusive Dannar.

On the next series, East Union failed to execute a reverse, and then Roberts was there again for the Tigers to force a three and out. Worth County. Dannar burst through for a long run, this time for 60 yards, and the Tigers were up 12-0 with 4:45 left.

But just like that, Worth County gave the Eagles hope as they gave up one of two big plays to let them back in the game. First, after Worth County had East Union stopped for third and long, Bryce Pettit broke loose and took it 60 yards the other way to make it 12-6. Wyatt Scadden dropped Pettit short to deny the extra point try.

Then, Worth County got a long touchdown called back by a holding penalty, and then another pair of big plays put East Union back on the board. First, Jake Claiser took a snap out of the Wildkat formation and rescued a third and 15 with a 25 yard run to the Tiger 29. Then, a pass from Pettit to Caden Clear took it the rest of the way with 7:31 left in the second quarter to tie it at 12-12.

East Union threatened to take the lead after a three and out, as Pettit and Claiser each got loose for good runs to the 33. They got as deep as the Tiger 25, but then Brock Healy picked off a pass at the 30 to kill the drive. With time winding down, Brock Healy went back to pass and found nobody open. He rolled out right and took off down the right side untouched into the end zone from 50 yards away to swing the momentum back in Worth County’s favor and give them an 18-12 lead at halftime.

The big thing about that series was that it gave Worth County a free possession, since they got the ball to start the second half. They took advantage; faced with fourth and one at their own 34, East Union jumped offsides to give Worth County new life at the 39. Then, on third and seven at the 38, Jordan Dannar caught a swing pass and converted it into a 17 yard run to the 21. On the next play, Wyatt Scadden got loose into the end zone with 9:44 left in the third to make it 24-12.

East Union tried to answer, as they got a double reverse from Samuel Garrett and a Wildkat run from Claiser to get as far as the 35. But then Trenton Adwell had a quarterback hurry to force an incompletion; his man was called for a false start on the next play. Then, Liam Cordell, who had several good one on one tackles that afternoon, dropped Pettit, and then Xander Bodle dropped Claiser to give the ball back.

But then Worth County fumbled the ball right back to East Union, and they had to hold again on defense. East Union got as far as the Tiger 28, but then a holding penalty put the ball back on the 37. East Union got an apparent touchdown run, but it was called back by a block in the back, and then the East Union coach protested the call, drawing another penalty and putting the ball all the way back to their own 21. They completed a long pass play to the Tiger 34, but a scramble by Pettit was stopped short at the 26. 

Worth County could not convert a fourth and two at their own 34, and gave back the ball on downs. But then Bentley Frisch picked off a pass on the Tiger 35 thanks to pressure from Trenton Adwell, and Brock Healy broke off a 45 yard touchdown run as time expired.

‘Lil Tigers Sweep Albany

Worth County’s ‘Lil Tigers teams swept Albany Saturday night. The B team won 63-0, while the A team won 46-0.

In the B game, Caleb New had two touchdowns, while Cole Ruby, Hayden Sanders, Dylan Smith, Bentley Frisch, and Reece Gray all scored one touchdown. Wesley Brown caught two extra point passes.

Franklin Hoff carried the load for the A team as the Tigers broke it open in the third quarter. He had four rushing touchdowns and added a scoop and score for a fifth, along with an extra point pass. Wyatt Hill added one, while quarterback Brayden Stevens added a 20 yard scramble, aided by two good downfield blocks.

The ‘Lil Tigers play again at home Saturday. The B team will play Lamoni at 11, while the A team will play at 12:30.

Tyler New Sets ‘Lil Tigers Rushing Record With 255 Yards

Tyler New broke a ‘Lil Tigers record by ripping off 255 yards in 11 carries Saturday as the two junior squads clashed. The Black squad beat the White squad in a brutal battle, 31-6, in which New was the one person who was able to consistently find daylight. There have been other 200-yard performances for the ‘Lil Tigers; Tevin Cameron, Caleb Parman, and Brevyn Ross both broke the 200 yard barrier for the squad. Dylan McIntyre would go on to get 227 for the older squad.

Tyler New started off his afternoon Saturday by getting loose on a sweep with 13:03 left in the first quarter on the Bengals’ second play from scrimmage, scoring from 62 yards out. Landon Wilmes ran in the extra point to make it 7-0.

The Bengals were faced with third and long on their next series, but once again it didn’t matter as Tyler New broke outside and ran down the right sideline for his squad’s second score with 6:04 left to make it 13–0.

New recovered a fumble on defense, but then there was a scary moment when he took a helmet to the arm fighting for yardage and everyone thought it had broke initially. But it was simply a bruise, nothing that couldn’t be cured with rest and ice. He came back in halfway through the second quarter, but by that time, the momentum had stalled into a defensive struggle and neither side could move the ball offensively the rest of the half. Adam Swaney and Jax Henderson were making plays for the white squad on defense, while Elias Alarcon was a force on defense for the black squad.

Jadin DeFreece got rare yardage for the black squad when he dragged a host of defenders 13 yards to midfield and Landon Wilmes picked up an 18-yarder to the White 22 before that drive stalled out. Jadin DeFreece and Autumn Cousette combined to drop Karson Briner on one play before he could even get off a handoff to thwart a drive. Late in the first half, Tyler New, showing no ill effects from his arm bruise, got loose for 30 yards with 43 seconds left, but Grant McIntyre made a touchdown saving tackle at the 19 and the drive stalled there.

Grant McIntyre found rare daylight for the white squad from 70 yards out to cut their deficit to 13-6 with 11:44 left in the third, but Tyler New countered with a 60 yard scamper down the left sideline to give Black some separation again at 19-6. Chase Clabaugh recovered a fumble to set up Tyler New’s 31 yard sweep to the 1 early in the fourth. Carter Chapman from the white squad saved a score, but Landon Wilmes was in the end zone on the next play to make it 25-6. Elias Alarcon picked off a desperation pass in the closing seconds for a pick six.

Dylan McIntyre Rips Off 227 Yards; ‘Lil Tigers Win Opener

Dylan McIntyre ripped off 227 yards as the ‘Lil Tigers Senior Squad won their opener Saturday 40-6 over East Union, the team that they faced in the championship game of the Super Bowl last year. Usually, the team that loses the championship game turns around and wins the opener when the two teams meet again, but that was not the case this time as Dylan McIntyre ripped off a 60 yard gain on Worth County’s first play from scrimmage, shooting down the right side untouched for Worth County’s first score.

The game turned sloppy for most of the remaining quarter. After forcing a three and out, McIntyre got a block from Brendon Deardorff and got into Eagles territory with a 14 yard gain down to the 32, but a pair of false starts killed the drive. East Union could not get anything going, but Worth County finally started moving the ball thanks to a late hit out of bounds that placed the ball on the 40. A pass from Braxton Hightshoe to McIntyre netted 31 yards to the 10 and on the next play, McIntyre got loose around the left edge, got a block from Colt Cameron, and got in early in the second quarter to make it 13-0 with 13:20 left in the period after Hightshoe’s extra point run.

Worth County fumbled deep in their own territory on their next possession at their own 25 after tackles from Tanner Ridge and Lance Abplanalp had forced another three and out. East Union had a golden opportunity to get back in the game, but Dylan McIntyre broke up a pass, Levi Cassavaugh rung Joshua Lopez’s bell, Lopez’s first down run was called back by a block in the back, and Jared Frederick’s sweep was pushed out at the 27.

After their goal line stand, Worth County recovered and began moving the ball down the field as Dylan McIntyre got a block from Colt Cameron for 11 yards and then Colt Cameron got a carry from the Tiger 39. He got a block from Boston Adwell and outmuscled his way past two tacklers and broke free with 2:20 left for the 41 yard score to make it 19-0. Boston Adwell had a fumble recovery to kill East Union’s final drive of the half.

Worth County got the ball to start the second half, and they got backed up to their own 8 thanks to a holding penalty. An offsides penalty moved it back to the 13, and then Dylan McIntyre got loose again. He got a block from Wyatt Craven and shot down the right side for a 67 yard scamper; Braxton Hightshoe ran in the extra point to make it 26-0 with 12:11 left in the third quarter.

Jared Frederick nearly broke one for East Union on the next series, but Braxton Hightshoe’s shoestring tackle at the 40 saved a score and a block in the back penalty backed them up. Hightshoe shot through like a missile to drop one of the Eagle backs back to the 30 and then Boston Adwell got his second fumble recovery on the next play to give Worth County a short field to work with. They only needed one play to score as the defense got sucked in on a sweep, Colt Cameron knocked down the last defender between Dylan McIntyre and paydirt, and he scampered in for 31 yards and went over the 200 yard mark with 4:21 left in the third.

Tanner Ridge recovered another Eagle fumble at the 17, setting up McIntyre’s final score with 14:17 left in the fourth to make it 40-0 before East Union used the rest of the fourth quarter to move down the field and score right before time expired.

'Lil Tigers Take Home First Championships Ever

The Worth County 'Lil Tigers won their first trophies ever Saturday in Graceland in the Eight Man Division. The A team avenged an earlier loss to Lamoni and won 19-7; the B "Black" team also won the championship, beating East Union Blue 34-18. Participation numbers were at an all-time high, with the 'Lil Tigers also able to field a second competitive "B" team.

Daniel Gladstone, coach of the A team, said that Alex Rinehart ran hard for his squad, while Jackson Runde and Cooper Simmons opened up holes and Austin and Zach Pride down the middle as Worth County won the battle of the trenches. Dawson Vore showed a lot of promise at defensive end, which is one of the most important positions in eight man football. Aydan Gladstone forced two fumbles, while Runde stood out on defense as well.

There will be a banquet for the teams Sunday, November 1st at 6 pm at the Skating Rink. Both trophies will be on display, and all three teams will be recognized for their hard work.

Richard Baker Steps Down from 'Lil Tigers

Richard Baker announced that he was stepping down as President of the 'Lil Tigers, the franchise that he had founded. He had served for the last seven years. The franchise started from scratch and is now giving Worth County and Northeast Nodaway kids the opportunity to learn football fundamentals so that they will be ready for high school and junior high. The teams have been highly competitive playing against much larger schools and despite playing 11 man football instead of 8 man.

At this year's banquet, Baker thanked the parents for their time and commitment as well as the cheerleaders. Worth County has regularly formed the largest cheer squad in the whole league under the direction of Sheila Hunt, who has been with the organization for seven years as well. There were 28 kids from Worth County and Northeast Nodaway out for cheerleading this year. Baker said that Worth County consistently had the largest following of any of the teams and thanked everyone who had helped host the football games this year.

The senior squad this year started out short of numbers, with 15 players out this year. That meant that players had to play out of position and many others had to play both sides of the ball. While their 2-5 record this year was not what had been hoped, "We came a long ways in the last three years," said assistant coach Adam McIntyre. "I'm still proud of them," said Coach Dave Brown, who laid his hands on each kids' shoulder and had something positive to say about each of them. There were some first-year players on the squad who picked up the game quickly and were able to make some contributions to this year's team. The team did set a record for the longest pass play from scrimmage, a 75-yard strike from Hunter Simmons to Chance Barbar against Lamoni.

The junior squad had 22 players out this year, which bodes well for the future. They went 3-3 for the year despite not having a lot of size and starting from square one. They developed a breakaway threat in Alex Rinehart, younger brother of Caleb Parman. Cooper Simmons established himself as a force on defense, getting into the backfield regularly.

Following the banquet, the teams and cheerleaders watched highlight pictures from the season.

Whoever takes over from Baker will have some big shoes to fill. The senior squad started their initial year winless; however, fittingly enough, their first win in franchise history was against Albany in their second year. From there, they had a good run of success and they were always a threat to challenge for the title even against the likes of Mount Ayr. The players who went through the system first are already showing fruits. The juniors on the varsity squad this year were on the first 'Lil Tigers squad that did not win a game. However, all the hard work is paying off as the varsity Tigers are now 6-3 despite battling a lot of injuries and adversity this year. This year's juniors have come a long ways from going 0-6 in their first year of playing competitive football seven years ago. And several sophomores are already making positive contributions to the varsity squad.

'Lil Tigers Drop Two in Bedford

Both 'Lil Tiger teams were scored on for the first time this year and dropped games in Bedford this year. The A team lost to Bedford 25-0 while the B team lost to Creston 25-18.

The B team game was close all the way. Creston had a back, #5, who was too quick for the Tigers to catch; he broke loose for a 65 yard touchdown on the first play of the game. That put them up 6-0. From there, Worth County played catchup the rest of the way although they almost made up a two possession deficit in the second half. But the Tigers had too many penalties on the afternoon and it got to the point where the officials were looking for something wrong.

Worth County marched right back down the field as Aydan Gladstone ripped off an 11 yard gain and Alex Rinehart broke a host of tackles to get a 21 yard gain to the Creston 33. Rinehart converted a fourth and one to the 18 and that set up a Rinehart touchdown with 2:59 left in the first quarter to tie it up at 6. But once again, #5 got loose again and the speedy Creston back got loose for a 32 yard score to put the Panthers up for good at 13-6. Creston threatened to score again before half, but consecutive tackles for loss by Cooper Simmons thwarted the drive and it was still one possession.

But Creston threatened to take control of the game in the third quarter as they took their first possession in for a score as #5 got loose again for the Panthers with 8:41. But then Alex Rinehart made the play of the day. He was seemingly stood up after a short gain, but the whistle never blew and Rinehart broke free for a 50 yard score that put the Tigers right back in the game at 19-12 with 6:35 left.

Creston fumbled the ball right back to the Tigers as Nathan Adwell got the recovery for the Tigers. Worth County took advantage as a short sneak play by Aydan Gladstone turned into a 16 yard touchdown scamper with 2:45 left in the third. But Rinehart was stopped short of the goal line on the tying extra point play and Creston still led 19-18.

A horsecollar penalty on Creston moved the ball to midfield for the Tigers, but a block in the back penalty wiped out a long run that could have put the Tigers ahead and they gave the ball back on downs. #5 scored on yet another long scamper, a 52 yard run in the closing minutes and then got a pick to help Creston run out the clock.

The A team fumbled on their first play from scrimmage and lost 25-0 to Bedford. The Bulldogs scored on the ensuing series and the game settled into a defensive struggle as both teams were stymied by stingy defenses and an officiating crew that was calling everything on both teams. John Mancuso had an interception that stopped a Bedford drive in the first half and kept it at 6-0. But the offense could not make any headway against a team that was much bigger and quicker and they could only muster one first down in the half.

Bedford made a momentum changing play at the end of the first half when they scored on the last play of the half to make it 13-0 and then got the ball to start the second half and scored on the opening drive to make it 19-0.

Worth County finally started finding success as Hayden Holmes ripped off a first down run for 10 yards and the Tigers finally crossed into Bedford territory. Hayden added a 35-yard scamper early in the fourth. But Bedford added another score with 5:30 left to make it 25-0. Chance Barber caught a 15 yard pass in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter.

'Lil Tigers Open Season with Wins

The Worth County 'Lil Tigers opened their season this year with wins on the road. The A team won 34-0 over Bethany. Hayden Holmes, who had been playing defense the last two years, moved over to runningback this year and scored four touchdowns. Justin Dye was a force on defense while Seth Brown was strong on the line. Austin Welch was all over the field on defense while Evan Funk had a fumble recovery. The main area of improvement is penalties as the Tigers had three scores called back by penalties.

The B team beat Bedford 25-0 as Alex Rinehart and Haydan Gladstone scored two touchdowns each. The defense bent but didn't break, holding Bedford out of the end zone. Jackson Runde and Cooper Simmons along with Chance Jacobs and Nate Adwell played strong on defense. Wyatt Abplanalp and Reid Gabriel opened some big holes as guards.

'Lil Tigers Teams Celebrate Best Season Yet

The Worth County 'Lil Tigers celebrated their best season yet as the senior squad, which had players which went four years through the program, place second with a 5-1 finish. They were honored at their annual banquet Saturday, October 20th at the skating rink. They were not ready for the season to end as they had many long rounds of pickup football both before and after the ceremony and dinner in their honor. The junior squad, with many new faces on the team, finished with a 3-3 mark and a fourth place finish.

The team received many positive comments throughout the year about their play and the cheerleaders received many positive comments as well. "The senior squad was one of the smartest teams we've ever had," said Richard Baker, president of the 'Lil Tigers. He thanked the parents, coaches, and helpers for helping everything to run smoothly. All of the players got better during the course of the season. The 6th graders will come ready to enter junior high while the younger players gained valuable experience playing against the bigger schools on a weekly basis.

'Lil Tigers A Team Goes 3-0

The Little Tigers A Team is now at 3-0 following their 36-9 win over South Harrison in the nightcap game Saturday. The Tigers overcame a formidable South Harrison line and some speed by the secondary and had enough big plays to get the game under control. The Tigers showed some big hits early, including one in which Hayden Holmes rung the bell of Tyler Daugherty on a reverse right off the bat. The Tigers struck quickly as Jacob New aired it out to Jacob New for 52 yards and a score. Issac Alarcon caught a short pass and got a block from Caleb Parman for the extra points to make it 8-0.

Jeremy Wimer got a sack on the next play to kill a drive and South Harrison was forced to punt. Caleb Parman broke a whole host of tackles to the 38 for an 18 yard gain and the Tigers used him as a workhorse as they moved slowly down the field. Finally, Drake Simmons got a block from Caleb, sprung free, and scored from 23 yards out to convert fourth and three to make it 16-0 with 19 seconds left. Bryant McCord caught the extra point pass from New.

The Tigers showed that they could cover people as South Harrison could not get their passing game going; Hayden Holmes broke up a pass on the next series and Colton Wilmes and Issac Alarcon combined to blow up another play as South Harrison went three and out.

Worth County got a scare on the next series as Jacob New threw a pick deep in Tiger territory; however, the South Harrison played fumbled it right back to the Tigers, who got new life. They did not score, but they were able to take valuable time off the first half clock before stalling at the 15. South Harrison got a first down, but then Hayden Holmes broke up one pass and then finally picked one off and returned it all the way to the South Harrison 28 with just seconds remaining on the clock. That was all Worth County needed to make it a three-possession game as Drake Simmons caught a wobbly pass from Jacob New over the middle and outran everyone into the end zone with no time left to make it 22-0.

South Harrison got to midfield on their next series, but stalled thanks to a false start and Worth County got the ball at their own 20. Caleb Parman was once again the workhorse as he got carries of 8 and 23 and Drake Simmons picked up 23 more. Finally, Caleb Parman was in the end zone with 4:40 left. Bryant McCord caught his second extra point pass of the game to make it 30-0.

South Harrison used a late hit penalty to move deep into Tiger territory at the 17 and then Tyler Daugherty caught a pass for a 15-yard score. Gavin Garrett's extra point made it 30-7. Worth County got the points right back as Caleb Parman got a sweep down the left side and Drake Simmons threw the final block that sprung him free for a 47 yard score with 10:14 left to make it 36-7. South Harrison got another break as the Tigers played a pass perfectly, but tipped the ball right into Daugherty's hands to set up first and goal at the 7 after a fourth and 10. But the Tigers made a goal line stand and got the ball back at the 1. South Harrison scored a safety to account for the final score, but then Jacob New picked off a pass to allow the Tigers to run out the clock.

'Lil Tigers B Team Shuts Out South Harrison

Worth County's B team shut out South Harrison's Purple team 28-0 Saturday to raise their record to 2-1 on the year. South Harrison moved the ball on their opening drive into Tiger territory, but they were stopped by Austin Welch on fourth and short at the 30 and the Tigers took over on downs. The Tigers had trouble fumbling the ball against Central Decatur last week; however, they settled down this week and took much better care of the ball. Hunter Simmons converted a fourth and one at the 39 for a first down and then Simmons ran off gains of 7 and 13 down to the 11. Finally, Tanner Parman ran the bootleg and outran everyone to the end zone. Rory Bredlow caught a pass to make it 8-0 with 5:05 left in the first.

Both teams exchanged punts until early in the second quarter, when the Tigers started moving the ball again. Rory Bredlow's sweep got the Tigers to their own 37 and then Bredlow converted a fourth and two, getting a big hole down the right side to get six yards and a first down at the 29. The Tigers were backed up again at the 17 and faced with fourth and nine, but then Tanner Parman juked two different defenders for a score to make it 14-0 with 3:22 left. It was similar to a play that current principal Jon Adwell made back in his playing days; the Tigers were playing at Midway (KS) and he successfully juked a Midway defender, drawing then-coach Mark Fletcher's ire, but picking up an extra 10 yards for a 19-yard gain.

Worth County got the ball to start the third quarter and what could have given South Harrison a break and let them right back in the game instead went Worth County's way. The Tigers had a mixup behind the line of scrimmage on their first play and fumbled it, but Tanner Parman scooped it up and ran it 27 yards into South Harrison territory. That set up a score on the next play as Rory Bredlow fooled everyone with a counter play and easily made it into the end zone to make it 20-0.

The Tigers fumbled it to kill a drive on a subsequent possession, but Justin Dye and Austin Welch were forces on defense, denying South Harrison any chance of cashing in. Finally, Rory Bredlow got loose again on a sweep as everyone was sucked inside and nobody was out to contest him. He scampered 31 yards to the South Harrison 22. The Tigers stalled at fourth and five at the 17, but then Rory got loose again for the final score with 13:57 left in the fourth. Andrew Alarcon caught a pass to make it 28-0.