The Luverne Tigers not only whipped the Straughn Tigers at home last Friday night 12-7, but they also sent them on a road trip for the first round of the playoffs. With the win, the Tigers were able to win second place in the region and host a first round game. Luverne will host the Pike County Bulldogs and face former head coach Brad Waggoner.

The home standing Tigers received the opening kick off and wasted little time in getting to the Blacks Cats’ end zone. The Tigers marched 85 yards in 4 plays, with the touchdown coming on a 48 yard pass, catch and run. The aerial was from Quarterback Monterio May to wideout Matthew Sipper, who had beaten his coverage and had a step on the defender.

May laid the ball out perfectly; Sipper ran under it and outran everyone to the end zone. The PAT was missed, but with only 1 minute and 24 seconds gone in the game, the Tigers had a 6-point lead.

Straughn wasted no time in showing off their offense as they started the first drive of the game. They returned Luverne’s kick off out to their 33 yard line. In only 8 plays, and with the help of 45 yards in penalties against Luverne, the black cats scored on a 2 yard run. The PAT was good, and with 7:44 left in the first quarter, the black cats had regained the lead over the Tigers, 7-6.

Neither team could move the ball the rest of the first quarter as both defenses controlled the line of scrimmage.

The next score for the red cats came with 1:50 left in the first half. The TD came at the end of a 5 play, 79 yard drive. It came on a 54 yard pass from QB Chad Free to Ryan McGhee. Again the PAT was missed, but the red cats had regained the lead for good.

Both defenses controlled the game in the second half as neither team could muster a score.

The Tiger defense registered 6 quarterback sacks against the black cat offense while giving up only 1 on offense. These Tigers recorded sacks: Lenny Brooks – 2, Cody Smith – 2, Seth Wood and A. J. Hall with one each. Hall and Lonnie Freeman each recovered a black cat fumble.

The Luverne defense was led by Chad Free with 8 tackles, Lenny Brooks had 7, A. J. Hall racked up 6, and Lonnie Freeman had 5.

On offense, the Tigers were led by Chad Free with 138 yards on 38 carries. Free was also 1 for 1 passing for 54 yards. Monterio May was 1 of 5 for 48 yards; both completions went for scores.

The Red Cats had 250 total yards of offense, while the black cats had 214. The red cats had 13 first downs, while Straughn had 17. Luverne is at home this week and next week, as they host the Flying Squadron of Highland Home.

Kick off is set for 7 p.m. in Glenn Daniel Stadium.