The Ethel Tigers battled through a scoreless defensive stalemate for three quarters Friday night before Eupora pulled away late for a 14-0 win.
Both defenses set the tone early, locking down the scoreboard through 36 minutes of action. Eupora finally broke the tie in the fourth quarter with a 3-yard touchdown run and successful two-point pass, later sealing the game with a fumble recovery in the end zone.
“Our guys really played hard for 4 quarters,” said Ethel head coach Junior Graham. “Our defense really did a great job containing 2 dynamic playmakers, but penalties kept us behind the chains most of the night on offense.”
Ethel’s defensive effort was led by Jayden Ferguson with 6 tackles, Charles Irving with 5.5, and Nashun Winters with 5. Maddox Renfrow added an interception to keep the Eagles at bay for most of the evening. On offense, Taylon May paced the ground attack with 32 yards on 13 carries while passing for 37 yards, with Dante Bailey hauling in a team-high 19-yard reception and Renfrow adding two catches for 12 yards.
The Tigers are now 1-2 on the season and will look to even their record against Greenville Christian this Friday for homecoming.
