The Straughn Tigers (2-5. 2-2) came out with big showing as they knocked off the Geneva Panthers 27-14 on Friday night in Geneva.

“It feels great to get back in the win column,” Straughn coach Jarrod Wooten said. “We had great execution on offense and scored on the opening drive of the game. We did what we wanted to do which was to grind a lot off of the clock.”

Wooten said the Straughn defense really came to play.

“The execution was great all around,” Wooten said. “Our defense really stepped up tonight. We had three interceptions and a couple of recovered fumbles. We were finally able to win the turnover battle.”

On offense, Wooten said he was proud of the way the team played.

“We didn’t make as many penalties tonight,” Wooten said. “We still made too many, but they didn’t come at critical times like we have been doing. We were able to move the ball and finally able to punch it in. Chandler Mitchell had a big run for a touchdown and Brantley Kelley had a big touchdown catch to put us up 21-8 just before halftime.”

Geneva tacked on a score late in the half, but Straughn was up 21-14 after two quarters of play.

“Our offensive line did a great job tonight,” Wooten said. “Our running backs ran the ball hard and our defense played about as good as we can ask for. Our defensive backs really stepped up and that was the difference in the game.”

Straughn will be back at home next week against Wicksburg.