After a perfect regular season, the Elida Tigers had fought their way through state playoffs as well. They made it to the 6-man NMAA state championship game, and faced off against Springer/Maxwell on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1 pm for the title.
With a big crowd in the stands, Springer/Maxwell kicked off to the Tigers to start the game. In their first possession, Elida’s Will Haley (#16) rushed for the first touchdown of the game. Springer quickly responded however, and added their own rushing touchdown, but tried for a 2-point conversion in lieu of an extra point kick, setting the score at 8-7 early on in the game in Springer’s favor.
Elida trailed the rest of the game.
Once the 2nd quarter began, Springer continued their lead by adding another touchdown, moving the score to 15-7. As the clock ticked towards halftime, Elida answered with their own touchdown, but missed the PAT, setting the score to 15-13.
Springer managed to add another touchdown to the score before the halftime buzzer, and the teams left the field with a score of 23-13 with Elida trailing.
Springer received the ball first in the 2nd half, but the Tigers’ defense held them to no score in the entire 3rd Quarter. Elida managed to get a late touchdown that same quarter, making the score 23-20.
The 4th quarter started with Springer in possession, and they quickly drove down the field. The drive ended in a passing touchdown for Springer, and the score went to 29-20. Elida fought hard to answer, but only managed one more score and a missed PAT.
The final score of the game was 29-26, with Elida taking their only loss this season. Springer/Maxwell won and took the state title. Elida finished the season 2nd in NMAA 6-man football, with a 9-1 record.
Way to go, Tigers!! Great season!!
