Tiger eighth-graders stay undefeated, 40-8

Our thunder and lightning duo had a great showing in this game. Running back David Brooks, Jr. scored two touchdowns in this game with his speed and vision. Running back Weston Tackett scored two touchdowns as well in this game with his strength and athleticism. Fullback Eli Decker got involved in the action as well with a score up the middle for the Tigers. The ground attack was unstoppable in this game. Our quarterback Carter Kissir went down early with an injury but our backup QB Thomas Lewis stepped up and played a great game. Our offensive line of Owen Parker, Bryce Coates, Braxton Hopkins, Keegan Terrill, Brantley Thompson, Rafe Dodson, Madden Schloemer and Gunner Michno had a good push up front and those boys came to play.

The Salem Tiger defense was very good. Besides one long pass play the Tigers shut down everything the Bulldogs wanted to do in this one. Our defensive front of Bryce Coates, Keegan Terrill, Eldon James, Eyan Sellers and Liam Duncan played really well. Our defenders were in the backfield and made it difficult on the Bulldogs. Our secondary of Ryker Huff, Carter Kissir, David Brooks, Jr. and Alec Capuchilo made great plays on the ball and prevented Cabool from scoring multiple times. Salem ended with 3 interceptions in the game. Linebacker Eli Decker shut down the first drive for the Bulldogs with an interception. Linebacker Braxton Hopkins had a great game vs the Bulldogs. He had some tackles in the backfield and an interception in the second half. Linebacker Weston Tackett made an amazing play with an interception that he returned back for a touchdown. His pick-six sealed the deal for the Salem Tigers. We have had a few injuries and guys banged up but we kept fighting and stuck together. I was proud of the players that stepped up and we got it done in this game.

Cabool was low on numbers so there was no seventh-grade game. Salem’s seventh-grade is 3-0-1 on the season and will play Houston at home Thursday October 9th at 5:30 p.m., with the eighth-grade game to follow.