In a game filled with penalties and multiple turnovers, the Elkmont Red Devils had no answer for the Ardmore Tigers, as the Tigers cruised to a 41-0 victory.

Ardmore’s defense set up the first score of the game, as senior defensive end Mack Hughes pounced on an Elkmont fumble, setting up the Tigers in prime position at the Red Devils’ 6-yard line.

One play was all Ardmore senior running back Chase Lay needed to take it in up the middle from 6 yards out to make the score 7-0 Tigers.

Turnovers were the story of the evening for the Red Devil offense and special teams, which were never able to mount any consistency moving the ball.

On Ardmore’s next drive, the Tigers were able to overcome a couple of flags and convert key first downs. The passing of senior quarterback Noah Barnett mixed with the running of Lay managed to bedevil the Red Devil defense. With 30 seconds left in the opening quarter, Lay ran it in from 12 yards out to make the score 14-0.

Another Red Devil fumble, this time on a pooch kickoff from the Tigers, allowed Ardmore to once again take over deep in Elkmont territory. This time, the Tigers’ couldn’t overcome a key penalty and had to settle for a booming 41-yard field goal from senior kicker Saul Rodriguez to bring the score to 17-0 with 9:42 left in the 2nd quarter.

The Red Devils finally appeared to be breaking out of their offensive shell on their next possession, as quarterback Rowe Allen hooked up on a deep route for an 83-yard touchdown. However, much to the Red Devils’ chagrin, the play was wiped out by an illegal man downfield penalty. This was a momentum killer for the Red Devil offense, which never presented a threat for the rest of the half. The Tigers defense held firm, forced a punt, and went right back to work on offense.

Going for it on 4th and 1 at the Elkmont 30 yard line, Lay bowled forward, evading Red Devil defenders for a 30-yard touchdown, making it 24-0 with about 5 minutes left in the second quarter. Much like the West Morgan defense in the previous week, Elkmont’s defense simply wasn’t able to adequately contain Lay, who finished the game with 137 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

The Tigers were far from finished for the half, though, as Barnett was able to connect with senior receiver Anthony Taylor for a 20 yard touchdown to increase the Tigers’ lead to 31-0 with just 12 seconds left in the half. Barnett finished the game 10-of-12 passing for 143 yards and a score, with Taylor having four receptions for 82 yards.

Special teams errors again plagued Elkmont, as another pooch kick was fumbled and recovered by the Tigers. Senior Joe Neal Douthit recovered at the Red Devil 27 yard line. This set up Rodriguez to perform his kicking magic once again. This time, he knocked it home for a 44-yard field goal, putting the Tigers comfortably ahead at halftime 34-0.

Rodriguez’ standout kicking didn’t go unnoticed by Ardmore coach P.J. Wright

“He’s been amazing for us,” Wright said. “He was kicking them from 54 yards in practice.”

The second half saw more of the same, as the Tigers blocked an Elkmont punt on their first possession. Anthony Taylor made another big play, blocking the punt, scooping, and running it in from 5 yards out, putting the Tigers ahead by the final score of 41-0.

The win pushed Ardmore to 2-0 and gave the Tigers their fourth consecutive win over Elkmont. Wright was ecstatic about the win.

“The players worked so hard for this. They have played so hard. Almost too hard at times. We’re trying to work on playing with energy more so than pure emotion.”

Wright was very happy about the way his team was able to overcome the penalties and errors, and was quick to point out Ardmore will have a short week of practice next week, with the Labor Day holiday on Monday before the Tigers travel to play Scottsboro.

The win moves Ardmore to 2-0 on the season. Elkmont, who will travel to play Deshler next Friday, falls to 0-2.