Tigers defence plays key role in win over Swan Valley in rain-filled affair

Details

Published on Tuesday, October 15, 2013

By: Lanny Stewart

myWestman.ca

The Rural Manitoba Football League game late last week in Neepawa wasn't one for the faint of heart.

The Neepawa Tigers hosted Swan Valley in what was a rain-filled affair on Friday afternoon. With rain pouring down soaking everyone and everything but those who found shelter during the contest, the Tigers were able to come away with a tightly-contested, hard-fought 14-6 win.

"We managed to persevere with the weather being what it was," said Tigers head coach David Clark.

The Tigers defence played a key role in the contest, pressuring the Swan Valley quarterback on several occasions and were very opportunistic as well as they were able to get their hands on five fumble recoveries.

"We were putting pressure on the opposing team's offence throughout the game," said Clark. "It was huge for us to have our team step up like that, " said Clark.

"The veteran core really stood their ground," he continued.

Ashton Penner led the way with 10 tackles, while Wyatt Salmon also had a big day with a sack and a fumble recovery.

Meanwhile, on the offensive side of the ball, Clark says the weather meant for a condensed playbook filled with running plays. The Tigers attempted only one passing play the entire contest.

"It was a pretty easy decision to keep the ball on the ground and let guys like Brenden Cowan and Lynden Middleton run the ball," he said.

"They were more than willing and more than capable to do that," he continued, "so that was kind of the game plan that we kind of stuck to."

The game plan worked as the Tigers managed 249 rushing yards, with the majority coming from Cowan, as the quarterback ended up carrying the ball 12 times for 190 yards and two touchdowns.

Cowan played a key role in the game in other areas as well as the versatile player is also the Tigers kicker and punter.

"There was a pivotal point in the game where he kicked a punt through the end zone to give the Tigers a single point. Those [single points] are big," he continued.

Lynden Middleton also had nine carries for 50 yards, helping the Tigers improve to 4-2 on the season.

The Tigers will now head to Dauphin to take on the undefeated Clippers on Friday. The Clippers currently sit with a 6-0 record and are in first place in the North Division. The Tigers, who sit in second place in the division, lost to the Clippers 39-9 on Sept. 13.

"We've had several games under our belt since we played them [Daupin] last," said Clark. "They have some offensive weapons themselves and their defence is good.

"We're kind of excited to see how we match up against them."

Photo: Both teams line up at scrimmage during the first quarter of the RMFL game between the Neepawa Tigers and Swan Valley Tigers late Friday afternoon.

Photo by Lanny Stewart