Noxapater knocks off Nanih Waiya for the first time in a decade (photos)

NOXAPATER — The Noxapater Tigers started fast and finished strong in Thursday night's season opener, knocking off traditional Class 1A powerhouse Nanih Waiya 27-6 to pick up their first win over the Warriors in 10 years.

Malek Tucker got the party started early with a five-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Kyle Phillips.

"I feel great," said Malik Tucker. "I knew (the win) was coming. I'm so happy we beat Nanih Waiya. It feels good playing under Coach Kelly. He is a great Coach."

Trailing 14-0 with five minutes to go in the first half, Nanih Waiya worked the ball into the red zone. Eli Stanton caught what looked like a sure touchdown pass, but fumbled while going into the end zone. It was just that kind of night for the Warriors (0-1)

It wasn't the same situation for the Tigers (1-0). Freshman Jai Riddle scored right before the half on a 80 yard scamper to put the Tigers up 21-0 at the break. Riddle ended up with more than 100 yards with four tackles on defense.

"I saw the hole and I hit it," Riddle said. "On defense, we knew we had to stop the strong side and we did that tonight."

Jimmy Graham was responsible for the other first-half Noxapater touchdown, and Phillips scored the final touchdown in the third quarter, turning a busted play into a 60-yard touchdown run.

With the win, the Tigers matched their win total from a year ago, when they finished 1-9.

"There is no 'you'. It's this team, man," said Noxapater coach Caleb Kelly. "They're the ones who won it. We gave them the game plan and they executed. They played hard. All credit to them and this coaching staff. As a team you have to be a unit. You have to have that family mentality. We got three freshman who played tonight. There's a lot to look forward to in our future."

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(All photos by Austin Frayser)