Tigers open with strong win over Liberty Bell

ODESSA- The Tigers, largely considered a state title favorite this season, met the Liberty Bell Mountain Lions in their first game of the season during a sunny Friday evening Sept. 2 and came away with a 42-22 victory.

The Tigers defeated the Mountain Lions in the 2021 State 1B quarter finals 62-22.

Both teams brought impressive energy to the gridiron Friday night.

Liberty Bell, ranked No. 10 by ScoreBook Live coming into the game came to play. Their defense and offense held their own against the Tigers despite falling behind early.

Senior Quarterback Collin Martin, at one point plowed through several defensive players for Liberty Bell.

Junior Dakota Steward was a strong defensive end and a powerful offensive lineman.

Senior running back Gage Starkel caught several impressive passes.

The game started later than usual due to the heat being near 100 degrees.

If the heat had any effect on the players, it was not shown.

The Tigers had a strong start with the half-time score being 28-6.

They added eight more points during the third quarter.

Liberty Bell came back strong and scored 16 points to Odessa's six in the fourth quarter.

Odessa ultimately won 42-22, starting the season off with a Top-10 win.

The Tigers' next game will be against Springdale at Odessa's Sausage Bowl during Deutschesfest weekend.

Game time is 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16.