Tigers Prepare for Challenging Season with Key Players Returning and Tough Schedule
Spencer, Iowa – The Spencer Tigers are gearing up for what promises to be a challenging season in 2023. After finishing the 2022 regular season with a solid 7-3 record and reaching the Class 4A playoffs, the Tigers are determined to build on their success.
Head coach Jim Tighe, who is entering his 21st year with the Tigers, is optimistic about his team’s chances this season. Several key players are returning to the roster, including senior wide receiver Eli Hookfin, senior offensive lineman Lewis Vulk, and junior linebacker Adrian Carrillo. These players will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the Tigers’ success.
One standout player to watch is junior defensive lineman Miles Robbins, who was the second-leading tackler for the Tigers last season. Robbins recorded an impressive 43.5 tackles, including 34 solo tackles and 11 for losses. Another standout is junior linebacker Jack Berends, who contributed 35 tackles, including 23 solo tackles and five for losses.
Unfortunately, the Tigers had to deal with the absence of senior defensive back Ross Carlson last season. Carlson suffered an injury in the first game and missed the remainder of the season. However, he is now back and ready to make a significant impact on the team’s defense.
Coach Tighe also expressed his excitement about the promising newcomers to the Tigers’ roster. The seniors Dalton Flikkema, Anthony Young, Ross Carlson, Weston Johnson, and Garrett Wirtz, along with juniors Cael Bruning, Brody Jordan, Tommy Lauck, Preston Pitts, Brady Vreeman, and Cole Watson, have all shown great potential and will be valuable assets to the team.
With a tough schedule ahead, Coach Tighe knows that his team will face strong competition within their five-team Class 4A district. LeMars is considered the strong favorite in the district, which also includes Denison-Schleswig, Storm Lake, and Sioux City West. To prepare for the challenges ahead, the Tigers have scheduled a series of non-district games, with their opener against Humboldt.
Coach Tighe believes that these non-district games will provide valuable insights into the Tigers’ strengths and weaknesses before the district games begin. Facing tough opponents early on will allow the team to fine-tune their strategies and identify areas of improvement.
As the Tigers embark on a new season, there is an air of anticipation and determination among the players and coaching staff. With key players returning and a challenging schedule, the team is focused on achieving even greater success than last year. The Tigers are ready to face any obstacles that come their way and prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with in Class 4A football.
In Conclusion, the Spencer Tigers are well-prepared for the upcoming season, with a roster of talented players, both returning and new. As they gear up to face a tough schedule, the team is eager to showcase their skills and take their performance to new heights. Under the guidance of Coach Tighe, the Tigers are poised for success in the Class 4A district.
