The Ethel Tigers achieved a historic milestone Friday night, snapping a decades-long streak with a 21-6 victory over Nanih Waiya. The win marks just the fifth time in program history that Ethel has defeated Nanih Waiya and its first victory over the Warriors since 1984.
Ethel set the tone early in the first quarter when quarterback Taylon May connected with Maddox Renfrow for a 1-yard touchdown pass. Zantavious Clark converted the two-point run to put the Tigers up 8-0.
The Tigers pushed their advantage in the second quarter with a pair of explosive plays. May broke free for a thrilling 75-yard touchdown run, and Renfrow added the extra point. Moments later, May linked up with Renfrow again on a 35-yard touchdown strike, giving Ethel a commanding 21-0 lead heading into halftime.
Nanih Waiya managed an 8-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, but Ethel’s defense shut the door on any comeback attempt.
“Defense flew to the ball all night and created turnovers,” said Ethel head coach Junior Graham. “We made some explosive plays both in the run game and through the air tonight.”
May led the Tigers on offense with 93 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries while adding 79 yards and two touchdowns through the air on 5-of-9 passing. Renfrow was his primary target, hauling in four receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns.
On defense, Jayden Ferguson posted a team-high 9 tackles and recovered a fumble, while Curt Erving added 8 tackles. Ethel’s secondary forced four turnovers total, getting interceptions from Caden Merritt and Jaylen Felton alongside fumble recoveries by Ferguson and Caleb Merritt.
With the historic win secured, the Tigers turn their focus to a short week and a high-stakes road test at Sebastopol.
“We have a difficult task on the road Thursday with an opportunity to win the division,” Graham added.
