After only playing one game last year the Rush City Tigers players, coaches, and fans were ready to get the 2021 season underway. The night started off with a tailgate party thrown by some Rush City parents and the fans were out on a rainy Thursday to watch the Tigers play.
It was also Military Appreciation night where past and present military members were honored and the color guard was present.
The game could not have started better for the Rush City Tigers as Lucas McFee took the first snap from scrimmage 65 yards to the house. The added the two-point conversion to give themselves a 8-0 lead. On the next drive East Central answered back with a solid drive but couldn't end it in points and Rush City forced them to turn it over on downs. The Tigers then took their second offensive play to the end zone on another 60+ yard touchdown run. This time it was Archambault who scored for the Tigers. His first of four touchdowns on the night.
It was there the game took a turn for the worst for East Central. The Eagles couldn't find any momentum offensively and just couldn't stop the potent Rush City running attack as the Tigers continued to score on the ground.
Archambault added a 46 yard touchdown run and Andrew Thole scored from 4 yards out to wrap up a dominating first quarter where Rush City led 32-0.
It was much of the same in the second quarter with Archambault scored two more long touchdowns and Ty Stepp adding a short touchdown run to give the Tigers a 56-0 lead at the half.
The second half saw both teams rotating a lot of players in and giving very valuable playing time to some underclassmen. It was a rainy night and while the score got out of hand both teams continued to battle hard and the effort level and spirits never waivered.
Landon Umbreit scored late for the Tigers to give them a 64-0 lead. On the final play of the game, Bobby Rubio ran in a big touchdown run for East Central from 34 yards out. The game ended with a final score of 64-6.
The Rush City Tigers improve to 1-0 and will travel to Mille Lacs for their second game of the season. East Central will host Barnum.
Photo Credit: John Olson
