TRINITY — In the final non-district game of the season, the 3-0 Tigers hosted the Hemphill Hornets. Coming into the game, the Tigers had two goals: winning and getting better prepared for a tough district schedule.
The Tigers started the game on defense and allowed the Hornets to drive to the 35-yard line and threaten to score, but an interception by Corde’ Walker at the 3-yard line ended the threat. Starting on their own 3-yard line, the Tigers took 5 plays, including a 47-yard touchdown pass from Terian Maxie to Walker, and after the extra point, the Tigers led 7-0. After forcing a punt, the Tigers again found paydirt with a 21-yard run by Maxie and led after the first quarter 14-0.
The second quarter started with the Tigers again driving the ball and a 14-yard run by Jamarion Corley increased the lead to 21. The Tiger defense again forced a punt, again Maxie scrambled 21-yards to Capp off a 35-yard scoring drive. The Hornets were able to put together a 61-yard scoring drive and with a successful 2-point conversion, the Tigers led 28-8 with time winding down in the first half.
After a 35-yard kick return Jason Price, the Tigers set up their offense at the Hornet 35-yard line with under 2 minutes left. After 3 straight incompletions, Maxie found Cove Copley for a 35-yard touchdown pass giving the Tigers a 35-8 lead heading into halftime.
Included in the halftime entertainment by each school's bands and dance teams, the Tigers recognized and honored all first responders and veterans.
With the clock running nonstop in the second half the Tigers took the opening drive 61-yards for the score, a 30-yard touchdown pass to Walker. Alex Sanchez made the final score of the game with a 30-yard field goal with 4 minutes left in the game.
The Tigers finished the game with a 45-8 victory and a 4-0 record in non-district play.
Coach Shaun Stout told the team how proud he was of the effort and explained they have a tough opponent in the Woodville Eagles coming up Friday night to start district play, but was confident if they played at the level he knows they can play at, the can come home victorious.
The Tigers will be in Woodville Friday night to start district action with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Despite the 49-20 loss, Groveton Head Coach Scott Green said the Indians played better as a unit, and he can't wait to see what happens when they all start clicking together.
“We’re still searching to find that guy to sit in the middle of the box and eliminate the inside run,” Green said. “The secondary played better but is still going through growing pains.”
Green said that though the team is young, they’re very eager to get better.
“We were able to eliminate some big plays over the top,” he said. “The defensive line and offensive line played pretty solid.”
Blake Chaney was a big target for quarterback Ty Torregrossa on offense, posting 7 catches for 95 yards. Ruger McClain had 4 catches, while Trystin Ard had a big game in the backfield, with the play-action allowing him to have a few catches out of the backfield.
The Eagles were outclassed 52-6 by the East Texas Homeschool Sports team on Thursday.
The lone score for Apple Springs came in the first quarter at the 8-minute mark, then the Chargers took control and never looked back.
