It was a night of penalties as the McKenzie Tigers took on the Flying Squadron at Highland Home. McKenzie came out on top 61-20.

“We kept telling the guys all week we’ve just gotta stay focused,” said McKenzie head coach Tony Norris.

The Tigers (1-0) had struggled with their jamboree game, racking up the errors.

“We weren’t taking care of the ball,” Norris said.

This time, it was the Squadron’s turn.

McKenzie wasted no time putting up points, scoring the first touchdown with 9:38 left in the first quarter and the second touchdown, a 15-yard pass to senior wide receiver Condie Pugh, just six seconds later.

“We didn’t come prepared for the game,” said HHS senior Kirk Merriweather.

“Our team wasn’t mentally focused on the game.”

McKenzie averaged 10 yards per rush to Highland Home’s 3.

The Tigers tallied 121 yards passing, averaging 20 yards per pass. Highland Home averaged 12 yards per pass and put up 156 yards for the night.

With a 48-0 score in his favor, Norris cleared off the bench in the third quarter. That gave Highland Home a chance to get rid of their goose egg.

“I hated giving up the shutout,” Norris said. “But I tried to create the depth we’d need later in the season.”

The Tigers will start region play next week when they take on Pleasant Home at home.

“Pleasant Home is gonna be real physical,” Norris said. “So, that’s gonna be a challenge for us.”

Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. In McKezie.