The Albert Lea ninth-grade football team was handed their first loss of the season with a 35-22 defeat Monday at Paul Giel Field in Winona.

The Tigers dug themselves a hole early, down 13-0 in the first quarter and down 28-6 at half.

“We played well, but obviously were a bit sluggish coming off the bus,” coach Kane Malo said.

The second half proved different. The Tigers’ offense put together two long scoring drives outscoring Winona 16-8. The defense recovered a fumble and a blocked a point after kick, plus had good special teams play.

Bany Chan led the running game with two touchdowns. Drew Cole also scored his first touchdown of the season.

“Our offensive line was solid again,” coach Jeff Jimenez said. “They are doing a nice job. I give props to our backs Kohl Kriewall, Levi Hanson and Shea Svendsen, too. They wanted to block and it made a huge difference.”

The Tigers are 1-1 on the season. Their next game is at 4:30 p.m. Monday when they host Owatonna.