Brad Waggoner's Luverne Tigers' last warm up before the 2006 season opener was a success last Thursday night as the Class 2A Tigers traveled to Greenville and defeated the Class 5A Tigers, 28-19.

After falling behind 12-7 in the first half, Greenville regrouped and scored with just minutes remaining in the first half to go into halftime with a 13-12 lead.

But just like the spring jamboree game versus Highland Home when the Tigers held a 12-0 lead, Greenville was not able to hold Luverne's offense in the second half.

&#8220It was almost the same song and dance as the spring game,” Vincent said.

Although the game wasn't as organized as he would have liked it, Vincent said he was proud of the effort of many of the younger guys who got ample playing time.

&#8220Overall I was pleased with our freshmen and backups, but I was disappointed in our starting defense,” Vincent said. &#8220(Luverne) was physical and we just missed way too many tackles.”

&#8220But that all starts with me and I feel like I haven't done a very good job in preparing our defense and I take total blame for it,” he said.

For the Greenville offense, freshman Mikwese Claybourne had several receptions, including a fully extended grab for 40 yards on the game's opening play.

The starting offense for the Tigers got to play only six snaps in the game due to Luverne converting four third-and-long plays and two fourth downs.

&#8220We had a lot of young players play and it was good to get them some work,” Luverne head coach Brad Waggoner said. &#8220The effort was there.”

Eighth-grader Lance Brooks had a big night for the Luverne Tigers and Waggoner was pleased with the effort of the young cousin of starting tailback Fred Hawkins.

&#8220I though (Brooks) did a good job and he got better as the game went on,” Waggoner said.

Waggoner also got receiver Payton McGhee into the action and said the receiver/tailback is getting better everyday.

Luverne will kickoff the 2006 season Friday night as the Tigers play host to Opp. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.