Tigers defeat Parkwest Outlaws

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Published on Tuesday, September 27, 2016

By Eoin Devereux

The Neepawa Press/Neepawa Banner

The Neepawa Tigers’ aerial attack was able to come through in a big way on Friday, Sept. 25 against the Parkwest Outlaws. Tanner Mann and Dylan Oshanyk combined for 178 passing yards and three touchdowns, on the way to a 22-7 victory in Rural Manitoba Football League (RMFL) action. Taine Middleton had a pair of TD receptions for Neepawa, while Jayvee Posadas collected the other. 

As for the rushing game, which has been the foundation of Neepawa’s success early in the season, it contributed 26 carries for a combined 150 yards. Tigers head coach Dave Clark said he was very happy with how the team was able to diversify its offensive strategy this week. He noted that variety in the playbook will be very important as the season progresses and the opposition has had a chance to evaluate the Tigers’ strengths.

On the other side of the ball, the Neepawa defence continued to be impressive, racking up 35 tackles, three fumble recoveries, a sack and a two-point safety. Dillon Neufeld lead the charge with 13 of those tackles and a pair of forced fumbles. Rylan Hollier created the other turnover, while also adding four tackles. As well, Neufeld assisted on special teams, with a two point conversion run and a 25 yard return.

The next game for Neepawa will be a huge challenge as the team plays in Dauphin on Thursday, Sept. 29. Heading into the matchup, both teams have earned identical 3-0 records and along with Moosomin, are tied for first place in the standings. Thus far this season the Clippers have been exceptional, having accumulated 147 points in the first three games while surrendering just 12 points in that same time span. Clark said this game will be a true test for them.

“Dauphin has just been so good this season, but they are always able to put together a strong squad, year in and year out,” noted Clark. “But myself and the rest of the coaching staff have confidence in our team. [The Tigers’ roster has] played well early in the year and we’ve seen them improve a little bit every single game. This game will be a challenge, but it’s one that we are able to face. This team has the talent to compete with any other squad out there. It all comes down to the execution.”

The next home game for the Neepawa Tigers will be in two weeks’ time on Friday, Oct. 14, when the team will challenge the Southwest Sabres.