By John Raffel
Correspondent
Gobles opened with a tough week one matchup vs. Climax-Scotts for the Tiger Tribute game and Gobles won 54-32.
This was only the second time in program history that the two teams have met, with the first time being a Gobles victory in 1959.
Gobles opened the game with a commanding drive, capped off by a 45-yard rushing TD by Aiden Beam. On the ensuing drive by the Panthers, the Gobles defense played with physicality and a sense of urgency, stopping them on all four downs.
Gobles then proceeded to finish the first quarter with an 18-yard rushing touchdown and another 52-yard rushing touchdown by Nathan Ray.
In the second quarter, freshman Case Lord asserted himself and tallied a 1-yard rushing TD and a 10-yard passing touchdown to Brett Ivester.
“The defense allowed one touchdown, which resulted in a 40-8 score going into halftime. In the second half, Climax-Scotts made some crucial adjustments and made a strong comeback,” Gobles coach Greg Eichler said.
The Panthers were able to cut the lead to 48-32, but it was the Tigers who responded when it counted and got a stop on defense after a huge pass break up by Beam on a jump ball. The Tigers then finished their last offensive drive with a 4-yard touchdown scamper by Lord.
Leading the Tigers on offense was Lord who rushed for 127 yards on 19 carries, including three rushing touchdowns, two two-point conversions, and one passing touchdown. Steven Juarez added 113 yards rushing, while Ray totaled 138 yards rushing, 2 rushing touchdowns, and two two-point conversions.
Defensively the Tigers were led by Devin Doorlag who had 10 tackles, one quarterback pressure, and a half sack.
“Juarez played a strong overall game with nine tackles, one pass breakup, and one interception. Beam and AJ Salinas both added eight tackles, while Lord finished with six tackles and one pass breakup, Eichler said.
Gobles now moves on to week two Friday at Eau Claire.
