For the first time since 2003, the Meek Tigers are heading to the second round of the AHSAA Class 1A playoffs following a 52-20 victory over the R.A. Hubbards Chiefs on Friday night in Courtland.
The Tigers totaled 456 yards for the contest, including 371 yards on the ground.
Matthew Clark led with 133 yards on 14 carries, followed by Ethan Grace’s 103 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown. Blake Miller had 16 carries for 72 yards with three touchdowns. David Tidwell connected on 5 of 7 passes for 85 yards.
The Tigers defense also played a key role on the night, forcing three turnovers that would turn into three scores. Jarrett Benson recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown, while Ory Frith and Brayden Webster both recorded an interception.
Trailing 12-0 in the first quarter, Meek got on the scoreboard thanks to a one-yard run by Cam Deaver, cutting the Chiefs’ lead to 12-6.
The Tigers took command after Jarrett Benson covered a Chiefs fumble in the second quarter and returned the ball 21 yards for the score, leaving Meek ahead 14-12.
R.A. Hubbard answered with a six-yard touchdown run to regain command, 20-14.
It would be the final touchdown of the game for the Chiefs, with the Tigers scoring 38 answered points.
Prior to halftime, Grace found the endzone on a 19-yard run to put Meek back in control 22-20.
The Tigers added another touchdown on six-yard carry by Miller to head to the locker room up by 10, 30-20.
Meek opened the third quarter scoring with a seven-yard run by Miller to pull further away, 38-20.
Miller scored again on another six-yard run in the fourth quarter for a 46-20 advantage for Meek.
With four minutes left in regulation, Deaver scrambled 36 yards for the final score of the game, giving the Tigers the 52-20 victory.
Meek(8-3) returns home next Friday night to face Woodland (5-7) for the second round of the playoffs.
