TISDALE, MELFORT — In front of an enthusiastic home crowd last week, the Tisdale Middle & Secondary School Tornados extended their winning streak to three straight games to open the season.
The high school football squad knocked off previously unbeaten Melfort and Unit Comprehensive Collegiate, 68-56. Both teams had entered the contest with 2-0 records. Each squad put their explosive offence on display.
“What a game,” Tisdale head coach Keenan Carrier said. “Score after score. Definitely kept the crowd excited. Kept our hearts racing on the sidelines for sure.”
In the gridiron game, the Tornados were able to build a good lead but MUCC fought back a number of times. Carrier praised Melfort for being well coached and “playing hard to the very end of the game.” He said his squad needed this contest.
“It kind of showed us who … the Tisdale Tornados were going to be this year,” Carrier said. “It showed our strengths and what we need to work on. We got a little adversity in this game so it was really good to see that this group can handle that, and they are going to rise to the occasion.”
What turned out to the biggest difference in the contest? The Tornados running game, Carrier said.
“The offensive line opening up holes, the receivers blocking down field, and our running back [Jakeb Cortus] just capitalizing on every touch he got,” the coach said.
The Tornados have played and won all of their games at home so far this season. Carrier described the home game atmosphere as “phenomenal.” He praised the crowd support and good weather.
“We’ve come out of it 3-0,” Carrier said. “There’s kind of a buzz around town. People are wanting to come out and watch the Tisdale Tornados. It’s an exciting time.”
After three home games, the Tornados now head away to play a trio of road contests to wrap up the regular season. The road stretch starts Friday against Nipawin’s L.P. Miller Comprehensive School. TMSS opened its season with a 46-14 victory over its foe from Nipawin.
“They know what we are about now,” Carrier said. “They’ve seen us. They’re going to be more prepared for us this coming week. We definitely can’t take Nipawin lightly. We’ll keep on doing what we’re doing. Our running game has been strong. We’ll keep on going with that. Hopefully spreading the ball out a little bit more. Defensively, work on our coverage a little bit as that’s one of the areas where we need to improve and really flying to the ball on defence.”
Junior Jamboree
The Tornados Grade 9 and 10 players participated in a jamboree in Melfort. The event also included the home squad as well as teams from Lumsden and Carrot River. Carrier said the jamborees are valuable for the young players and the team.
“It’s a long season,” Carrier said. “If we need somebody else, it’s going to be that next person up. Who is going to be in there if we need somebody to rise to the occasion?”
