The Tigers traveled to Visalia to face Central Valley Christian in their second game of the season last Friday. Coming off a tough loss to Kennedy, they were ready to show what they really have. The stage couldn’t have been more perfect. The stands were full, and the game would be on TV. It was the national game of the week on the CW 59. The sun had just begun setting, and there was a ton of energy in the air. 

 The game couldn’t have started better for the Tigers. They drove down the field and immediately scored a touchdown on their first drive, thanks to a touchdown catch from junior Wide Receiver Taemell Horton. The point after was blocked, but the Tigers took an early 6-0 lead. This would not last long as the Cavaliers would score a touchdown of their own, and make the extra point, taking a 7-6 lead. Neither Team scored for the rest of the first quarter. Halfway through the second quarter, CVC scored another touchdown, but missed the extra point, making it a 13-6 game. Both teams struggled to find a rhythm early in the first half, but at the end of the 2nd quarter, CVC scored another 2 touchdowns. They took a 27-6 lead into halftime. 

 The Cavaliers opened the second half scoring another touchdown. The Tigers’ defense had a hard time handling the physicality of CVC’s run-heavy offense. The Tigers, however, struck right back. On a crucial third down, Quarterback Phoenix Lawrence took a hit while throwing over to the middle to Taemell Horton, who went over 50 yards to score his second touchdown of the night. The extra point was again blocked, making it a 35-12 game. 

 For the rest of the game, CVC ran the ball to run the clock. They scored one more time during the half, making it a final of 41-12. After the game, the Tigers’ 4-star kicker Robbie Perez said, “I think in the upcoming weeks, especially with this bye, we will be more put together and complete. We will be more than ready for El Diamante at home.” The Tigers have this week off but will return the following week. This is a much-needed break for the Tigers as they are able to regroup and rest before the next stretch of the season. They will play their first home game of the year versus El Diamante High School at Ratcliffe Stadium on September 8th.