By: Shayla Terry

Homecoming was pure bliss for the Luverne Tigers as they stomped out Calhoun High School 49-6.

“Our guys came out and played well. Homecoming is usually a tough week as far as game prep and getting ready with so many distractions, but our players handled it well,” said LHS Head Coach Scott Rials.

“Our coaches did a good job getting them ready, and our players responded. We had a great first half. We were 49-0 at halftime. Sometimes you work hard and understand what your mission is, and I think our guys did and did a really good job executing.”

The Tigers started the night off running the scoreboard with an 8-yard touchdown by junior running back Marcus McGhee in the first two minutes of play.

Senior defensive lineman Dannie Lowry recovered a fumble for Luverne with 8:38 left on the clock.

Capitalizing on the recovery, sophomore quarterback Dionte (Tay) Brantley ran a 16-yard touchdown of his own.

McGhee closed off the first quarter with another touchdown, rushing for 106 yards to complete his night.

In the second quarter, senior wide receiver Antavious Brown made the most of his final homecoming. Brown had two touchdowns in the quarter, closing his night with 100 rushing yards.

Senior running back Tyrus Jones also picked up a touchdown in the second quarter, while junior defensive lineman JJ Lowery intercepted and ran for a ten yard touchdown.

Entering halftime, the Tigers led Calhoun 49-0.

In the spirit of homecoming, the night saw the return of many great alumni.  The Luverne High School Alumni band performed before the game’s beginning, with a full percussion and auxiliary sections.

At halftime, Luverne’s alumni cheerleaders led a spirited chant and band dance.

In the second half of play, the Tigers scored no more.

During the third and most of the fourth quarter, the Luverne defense kept Calhoun shutout of the game. With less than 20 seconds left of play, Calhoun scored a touchdown. In the final seconds of the game, Calhoun’s two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

Today, Luverne will hit the road to New Brockton. The New Brockton Gamecocks are 4-3 for the season.

“We shouldn’t need any boosting for New Brockton this week. It’s another region game, and every game you have to take them one at a time,” Rials said.

“Each game, week to week, kind of stands alone so you have to prepare, get ready to go and put your best foot forward.”