Greenville Middle School gave up a touchdown on the opening play of Thursday night’s showdown with Charles Henderson Middle School.

It proved to be a sign of things to come, as the Tigers were unable to claw their back into the game, and eventually fell 26-0.

“Big plays killed us,” Greenville Middle School head coach Daniel Ingram said. “All of their touchdowns came off big plays.”

The loss was costly for the Tigers in more than one way.

Starting quarterback Brandon Simmons left the game with a broken ankle. The injury will sideline him for the remainder of the season.

“Daniel Gaston, a seventh grader, will now have to step up and lead this team,” Ingram said.