New season, new look, and new winning attitude

Neepawa Tigers win Rural Manitoba Football League season opener

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The Neepawa Area Collegiate Institute (NACI) Tigers are already looking quite impressive out on the football field this season, and we’re not just talking about those sharp new uniforms they’re sporting.

The team jumped out to an early multi-score lead in their home opener against the Parkwest Outlaws on Saturday, Sept. 6, and would cruise to a 34-16 win.

The Neepawa offence found success in a variety of ways, with quarterback E.J. Clark throwing for 165 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also added one rushing T.D., on the day.

Receiver Keegan Dyke also contributed with two touchdowns, including one off an onside punt recover. Meanwhile, running back Daxton Brock had a huge game, collecting 151 yards on 15 carries. He also rumbled for a 50 yard T.D.

As well, the tight end duo of Buster McPherson and Jesse Whitlaw deserve some acknowledgment, as Whitlaw hauled in a 70 yard touchdown pass and McPherson caught his first career reception.

On the other side of the ball, the Tigers defensive core showed that they could be something special this year. Safety Tyson Selby had seven tackles and a fumble recovery, while first year OLB Calix Sopoco had a good showing of his own with four tackles and a fumble recovery. Other notable contributors included Charli Migneault (four tackles), and Grayson Pearson and Seth Minkue (five tackles each).

To say this result is a confidence builder for the program could be an understatement, as it’s the Tigers first regular season victory in two years. Head Coach Lucas Clark said considering the amount of work the players have put in to prepare for the season, they deserved this outcome.

“They’re certainly put the work in. We started in June, with some of the summer camps, and they all turned up and turned out,” said Black. “It’s just a great bunch of kids from around the region. For myself, and the rest of the coaching staff, it’s been awesome to watch it all come together. They’ve come together [as a team], and they lift each other up from practice to practice and game to game. That’s how we expect them to carry themselves.”

The Neepawa Tigers’ next game will be in Brandon versus the Neelin Spartans on Sunday, Sept. 14. Opening kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. The Tiger’s next home game will be Sept. 21 against Transcona. Start time will be 2:00 p.m.