Many coach Jess Curtis said there wasn’t anything not to like about his Tigers’ performance and effort in a 42-0 win at Red River that clinched at least a share of the District 3-2A title.
He even liked the way his team warmed up, displaying a business-like focus that propelled Many (7-1, 4-0) to dismantle the Bulldogs with all 42 points being scored in the first half.
Many dominated Red River (3-6, 2-2) from the first play, which was a Tylen Singleton 53-yard interception return for a touchdown that got the ball rolling on Many’s ninth straight district title and 33rd straight district win. The regular-season win is also Many’s 17th straight.
“I was very proud of my guys from the way they prepared this week to the way we warmed up tonight,” Curtis said. “(The defensive touchdown) help set the tone as the defense came out with energy getting a pick-six on he first play. We wanted to come out with our hair on fire and play fast, and we did just that.”
The rest was gravy — three Jamarlyn Garner rushing touchdowns in the final five minutes of the first quarter and fourth Garner rushing touchdown to start the second quarter put Many up 35-0.
Running back Jeremiah James paced the Tigers with 125 rushing yards on just nine carries, but it was Garner who found paydirt with touchdowns on four of his touches for 72 yards.
“Jeremiah has been great just like he was last year, but Jamarlyn has done what we thought he would do,” Curtis said. “He is a very talented kid that is great with or without the ball in his hands. I’m glad he’s getting to showcase what he can do.”
One week after Many’s defense held Jonesboro-Hodge to minus-8 total yards, the Tigers stalked negative territory again for their opponent.
Red River finished with positive 16 yards thanks to 63 passing yards on three completions, although the Bulldogs completed two passes to Many defenders as well.
Many pressured Red River all night and stuffed the running game to the tune of minus-47 rushing yards.
“The defense is really trying to get playoff ready, and there is a lot of talent over there,” Curtis said. “We are becoming a tough unit, a unit that plays hard for each other. They are a lot of fun to watch.”
Many unveiled its improved passing game the past couple weeks, and quarterback Tackett Curtis supplied the final score when he connected with Mason Leach for a 43-yard touchdown. Leach has three receiving touchdowns in the last two games.
That started the running clock with three minutes left in the first half, and it started the junior varsity parade of Many Tigers in a quick second half that didn’t feature any points.
It’s Many’s second straight shutout after blanking Jonesboro-Hodge 58-0.
The Class 2A No. 1 Tigers are in no danger of losing that ranking and will close out the regular season hosting Lakeview this coming week.
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