Once again, with their backs against the wall the Tigers needed a late surge. And that is just what they had.

The Oakville Tigers and Mehlville Panthers had a back and forth battle on Friday (Oct. 11), but it was the Tigers who were able to secure their first home win of the season against their biggest rival, winning 35-23.

“We found a way to get it done again. Our backs were constantly against the wall and to our credit our kids [dug] down deep. They don’t make excuses. They just find a way to get it done,” Coach Arlee Conners said.

The Panthers jumped to the lead with a safety in the second quarter. The rest of the game was a tug-of-war, resulting in three touchdowns in under a minute and a half in the fourth quarter.

The scoring began with a safety in the second quarter and did not stop until 39 seconds remained in the fourth quarter. Andy Oliver (12) ran an 80-yard touchdown with 7 minutes and 8 seconds left in the fourth quarter, putting Oakville ahead with a score of 28-23.

“We needed to score, and I found a hole. It was sweet. It feels great–it was our first [home win] of the year,” Oliver said.
With only 39 seconds left in the fourth quarter, D’Juan Reaves (11) sprinted away from the Mehlville defense, running for a 34-yard touchdown. In the fourth quarter only, Oakville’s offense scored three touchdowns. Mehlville only scored one touchdown in the fourth quarter.

“We’re family, and they worked together–the family–and they got it done. Finally getting one–it’s about time,” a satisfied Coach Conners said.

The Tigers are now 4-3, and travel to Northwest to take on the Lions next Friday (Oct. 18).