Strong offensive showing by Tigers in blowout win over Outlaws

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Published on Tuesday, October 8, 2013

By: Lanny Stewart

myWestman.ca

The Rural Manitoba Football League's Neepawa Tigers had one of their best offensive showings in recent memory on Friday afternoon.

The Tigers offence racked up an impressive 487 yards and six touchdowns en route to a 60-6 victory over the Parkwest Outlaws in a cross-divisional matchup at Neepawa Collegiate field.

"All the stars seemed to align and we knew it was a big game going in," said Tigers head coach David Clark.

Running back Lynden Middleton had a phenomenal day on the ground, carrying the ball 14 times for 218 yards and three touchdowns, helping Neepawa improve to 3-2 on the season. The Grade 12 veteran player is coming off a rough season a year ago which saw him get injured midway through last season.

"Coming into this year, we looked to him for some leadership," said Clark. "The main thing with Lynden was that he was going to have to buy in to what we were trying to preach. It's hard sometimes when you are one the starters and one of the stars of the team -- you maybe take on too much. But Lynden has steadily gotten better the last five games he's played. He's starting to put up the big numbers."

Tigers quarterback Brenden Cowan also ran the ball effectively with 10 carries for 141 yards and two touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Will Birnie had a big game with six tackles, one forced fumble, and a 19-yard touchdown interception return. Layton Dixon also had four tackles and an interception, while Dylan Oshanyk had three tackles and a fumble recovery.

Meanwhile, the game included the return of former Tigers head coach Mike Davids, who is now a member of the Outlaws coaching staff. Clark praised Davids for his work over the years with the Tigers and says the players were excited to take on their former coach.

"The guys were excited to play him," said Clark. "We were able to put together some good numbers on offence and our defence and special teams knew what they were supposed to do. It worked out pretty good for us."

Neepawa will host the Swan Valley Tigers in a North Division collision on Friday. Neepawa currently sits in second place in the division, while Swan Valley is in last place with a 1-4 record.

Game time is 4:30 p.m.

In photo: (top) the Outlaws and Tigers set for a play at the line of scrimmage during the RMFL game on Friday. Bottom: former Tigers head coach Mike Davids on the Parkwest sidelines as a member of their coaching staff.

Photos by Lanny Stewart