In its first game of the season, the Albert Lea football team traveled to Rochester Community and Technical College to host defending Section 1A champion Winona.

While head football coach Corey Black said the Tigers defense stopped the Winhawks on the ground — a tough task, as they’re known for their run game, he said — Winona still won the game 33-7.

“We forced them to beat us through the air,” Black said.

Senior running back JJ Mucha-Owens scored the lone touchdown for Albert Lea on a carry.

Black said the Tigers will turn their focus to limiting mistakes and penalties moving forward.

“We played hard,” he said. “…But we shot ourselves in the foot on some plays.”

Albert Lea will be back in action Friday on the road against Red Wing at 7 p.m. The Tigers are scheduled to have their first game in the updated Hammer Complex at 7 p.m. Sept. 13 against Rochester Mayo.