Tigers’ 9th grade wins again

Published 12:47 pm Saturday, October 9, 2010

The Albert Lea Tigers ninth-grade football won its third game in a row Monday with a 22-14 overtime win over the Rochester Century Panthers.

Living up to their nickname, “The Cardiac Kids,” in overtime, Bany Chan’s huge hit caused a Century fumble, which was recovered by Levi Hanson sealing the victory.

“It was a heck of a last play,” Albert Lea coach Kane Malo.

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The Tigers’ offense opened the game with a seven-play 50-yard scoring drive with Chan scoring the first touchdown. Drew Cole and Cody Scherff hooked up for the two-point conversion.

The offense scored on its second drive with Chan hitting scoring again.

“We were able to keep the sticks moving,” Albert Lea coach Jeff Jimenez said. “We were winning the line of scrimmage.”

Century scored on its next two possessions and tied the game 14-14 at half. “We struggled a bit tackling in the first half,” Kane Malo said. “It was more of a bend but not break defense.”

Hunter Hoyne recovered a fumble assisting the defense.

In the second half, there was no scoring, but both teams had scoring opportunities.

The Tigers had the ball with 36 seconds left in regulation, but penalties took them out of scoring position and forced overtime.

The Tigers started with the ball first-and-goal from the 10-yard line. Three plays later, Chan scored his third touchdown of the day. Cole and Cody hooked up again for another two-point conversion and the Tigers lead 22-14.

“When it came down the end, we did what we do best,” Jimenez said. “Run the football.”

The Tigers ninth-graders are now 4-1 on the season. Their next game is at 3 p.m. Monday against Mankato West Scarlets at Hammer Field.