Tigers defeat Ashland 34-12

MAPLE — The Northwestern High School football team opened its season Friday with a 34-12 victory over the Ashland Oredockers.

The Tigers recovered two Ashland fumbles in the first quarter to get off to a 13-0 start. Northwestern then added another pair of touchdowns in the second quarter to go up 27-0 at halftime.

Ashland scored its first points of the night in the third quarter with a nine-minute, 80-yard drive. The Oredockers had more first downs during the scoring drive than they’d had in the entire first half, including one on fourth and 8 at the Tigers’ 32-yard line.

Following Ashland’s touchdown, the Tigers moved the ball quickly to score as time expired in the third quarter. Mark Pooler, Nathan Sikorski and Peter Lindsay all had big runs to get the ball to the Oredockers’ 37-yard line, and Lindsay then completed a pass to Micah Olson to put the Tigers at the 22-yard line. Nick Murray ran the ball in the rest of the way on the next play to give Northwestern a 34-6 lead.

Ashland scored its final touchdown four minutes into the final quarter when running back Cory Konty slipped by defenders and dashed 24 yards to the end zone.

Sikorski finished the night with two touchdowns for the Tigers and 154 yards rushing. Lindsay had 93 yard rushing and 38 passing as he was 3-for-7.

Coming up with fumble recoveries for the Tigers were Johnny Parkins and Elias Alexandrou.

The Tigers host the Spooner Rails at 7 p.m. Friday. The Rails opened their season with a 33-21 win over Ellsworth.

Northwestern 13 14 7 0 — 34

Ashland 0 0 6 6 — 12

First Quarter

NHS — Nathan Sikorski, 7-yard run (Jordan Orme kick), 6:21.

NHS — Mark Pooler, 1-yard run (kick failed), 1:48.

Second Quarter

NHS — Sikorski, 10-yard run (Orme kick), 8:33.

NHS — Peter Lindsay, 11-yard run (Orme kick), 5:37.

Third Quarter

AHS — Austin Hebert, 3-yard run (kick failed), 2:48.

NHS — Nick Murray, 22-yard run (Orme kick), :00.

Fourth Quarter

AHS — Cory Konty, 24-yard run (kick failed), 8:17.

Tags: sports, football, tigers