The Tigers football team faced off against Lathrop on October 20 at Loftin Stadium for the WAC Championship title. 

The Tigers entered the game preparing for the week with a “Comfortable game-plan,” said Offensive Coordinator Tyrell Jenkins. Jenkins also stated that the objective was to “…score more points than they do.” The Tigers indefinitely did by outscoring Lathrop 37-20. The Tigers also went into the half with a comfortable 16-0 lead. 

The toughest challenge that Defensive Coordinator Carlos Rodriguez stated was “Keeping them off the field and maintaining their drives to a minimum.” Rodriguez also said that the strongest part of their defensive game-plan was the front seven because they have been good at rushing the passer all year. He stated that “All year long it’s what we’ve been relying on.”

After Friday’s victory, the Tigers excelled to 8-1 with a 7-0 undefeated record in the WAC League for the second consecutive year. Outside Linebacker Adan Salas (12) was awarded Defensive Player of the Game racking up nine tackles and four tackles for loss. Along with Wide Receiver Yahir Zuniga (11), he was awarded Offensive Player of the Game with four receptions for eighty-six receiving yards and a touchdown. The Tigers look to face the Pacheco Panthers in the cross-town clash this coming on October 27.

The Tigers have a chance to stay undefeated in the WAC League for a second year in a row after Friday’s game. If this takes place, the Tigers will have a first round bye for the first week of playoffs and a home game in the second round.