Tigers JV finishes out regular season with big win over Maricopa
The Gilbert Tigers JV-B team started out this season on a 5 game winning streak and was highly competitive in all the losses except the one to Williams Field. Last night they traveled to Maricopa to take on the Rams, that have had an up and down 4-4 season, for the JV season final game for both teams. Expectations were high, with only 1 player out on the injury list (sophomore QB Forest Lines) and all other players eligible, the roster was nearly full for the first time since the opening game of the season. To add to the excitement, starting QB Evan Smith was celebrating his 15th birthday.
The 1st quarter was fast paced and high scoring. The Tigers started off quickly with a TD drive and 2 point conversion with 9:30 still left in the 1st quarter. Though the Rams hit the end zone just 90 seconds later, but missed their 2 point conversion attempt. Then just under 90 seconds after that, the Tigers hit on a long 50 yard run to go up 14-6 with 5:21 still left in the 1st. But the Rams weren't done with their scoring in the 1st quarter either. They strung together a great series of plays and hit the end zone once again with just 1:44 left in the 1st. Ending the 1st quarter with a 14-12 Tiger lead.
The Tigers were the only ones to find the end zone in the 2nd quarter and scored from 3 yards out and after a fumble recovery. The Tigers lead 28-12 at the midway point of the game.
Both team struggled to move the ball in the second half. The Tigers managed to get a touchdown with 1:33 left in the 3rd quarter, putting the only points of that quarter on the board for either team. Ending that quarter with a 36-12 score.
The Rams added a TD and 2pt conversion early in the 4th to cut into the Tiger lead making the score 36-20. But the Tigers pounced on an attempted onside kick and added 7 more points to their score and creating the final 43-20 score.
Even with the season coming to an end for these two teams, they both played hard and shook hands and exchanged encouraging comments to each other on the way off the field. Congratulations to both of these programs for excellent seasons, kids and coaches. You all played with class and style in both winning and losing and it it encouraging to see two teams that can play hard and still show each other respect when it is all over.