Turnovers get the best of the Tigers

Lee Trawick
ECB Publishing, Inc.

The Jefferson County Tigers traveled to Hamilton County Trojans for their 2023 season opener. The two teams had previously faced off against one another in their preseason classic on the Tiger's home field, in a matchup that saw the Tigers come out on top 7-0 despite the Tiger's defense giving up more than 250 rushing yards.
Then, on Friday, Aug. 25, the Tigers took the field against the Trojans, led by sophomore quarterback Nkansa Langhorne Jr. While the two teams appeared to be evenly matched, the Tigers spotted the Trojans an 8-0 lead just 23 seconds into the game, with the Trojans scoring on the first play for a 50-yard touchdown run. While Langhorne connected on 10 of 19 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns, the Tigers failed to keep pace with the Trojans. Brezon Gillyard was Langhorne's favorite target on the night, with six catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns to go with his three carries for 15 yards.
However, while the Tigers had opportunities to remain within striking distance of the Trojans, the game's story proved to be the Tiger's turnovers, including three interceptions that led to 20 points for the Trojans.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Trojans backfield rushed for a total of 315 yards and allowed five rushing touchdowns. However, Delvin Chambers led all Tigers with 16 total tackles, including 12 solo tackles. Joining him in the Tiger's efforts was Terrance Wilson, who had 14 total tackles, including eight solo tackles.
As the game ended, the Tigers had shown many positive signs to build on moving forward, but unfortunately, the turnovers seemed to doom the Tigers in their season opener, 32-20.
The Tigers will be back in action on Friday, Sept. 1, as they return home to take on the Fort White Indians. The Indians entered 2023 with high playoff aspirations with a good, balanced offensive attack and speed on the perimeter. They are coming off a 19-13 win over the Taylor County Bulldogs.
Look for the Tigers to try and clean up the turnover ratio and establish their running game early to set up their passing game in hopes of spreading the Indian's defense out from sideline to sideline.