Douglas High Gameday Douglas vs. North Valleys, Sept. 5 | Page 5

The Douglas High School offensive and defensive each played a big part in the Tigers' 31-28 win over Minico High School Aug. 30 in Idaho. Below, Cale Kynett runs with the ball.

TigerS TAKE SHOW ON ROAD AGAIN

by Joey Crandall

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For the first time since 2000, the Douglas football team opened its season with a win on the road (a span of six losses in season-opening games played on the road).

And there was plenty for the Tigers to like in Saturday's 31-28 over Minico at Idaho State's Holt Arena.

Douglas produced a pair of 100-yard rushers in the game (Cale Kynett with 152 yards and quarterback Nick Abreu with 110). The defense held Minico to just 13 rushing yards. Minico punted on all but two of its second half possessions.

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as efficient throwing the ball, completing 8 of 15 passes with no interceptions.

But there was one glaring number that is looming large in the Tigers' preparations for Friday night's game at North Valleys (kickoff 7 p.m.).

308 passing yards allowed.

“That definitely sticks out,” Douglas coach Ernie Monfiletto said. “We have to take care of the pass defense while trying to be as effective against the run.”

North Valleys is coming off a 33-28 loss to Division I-A Lowry to open the season.

Panther quarterback Melando Chachapero completed six passes for 118 yards and ran for another 82 yards in the loss while running back Alex Palko carried 19 times for 140 yards.

“It's a new coaching staff, but they've stuck with the same spread offense princples the program has been using,” Monfiletto said. “They run the ball well. That'll be a big focus for us, because they can also hurt you with the pass.

“13 rushing yards last week, that falls right in line with our goal to shut down the run. They run some zone-read principles with the quarterback. We have to limit him to win this game.”

Monfiletto said he was particularly happy with Douglas' ability to run to the football on defense against Minico.

“It makes up for some errors,” he said. “A missed tackle hurts less when there are two or three guys there to clean it up.”

Offensively, Douglas had three ballcarriers experience varying degrees of success against Minico.

“The offensive line played really well,” Monfiletto said. “Guys like Ian Pieller, John Jensen and Johnny Gonzalez really stepped up to compliment our key guys like Andrew Jensen and Zach Singer.

“Then you had kids like Tommy Reed and Regan Roberson that were able to spot us a bit on the line. That made a significant difference for us in being able to use some players on both sides of the ball. Everyone was getting off the ball and going at it hard. There were a lot of battles won there.”

Douglas did lose five fumbles in the game, but the defense allowed only two scores off of those transitions. Kaleb Foster also had a long interception return for a touchdown that helped provide the difference on the final scoreboard.

“The defense saved our hide,” Monfiletto said. “ We cannot make those types of mental errors against a better football team and expect to win. We just won't get away with it. If we take those errors away, we're looking like a pretty good football team.

“Cale ran really hard. Nick read the offense like he was supposed to. There were a lot of good things happening.

“Overall I was just really proud of the kids. It's a young group and they overcame some obstacles to find success. Getting out on the road and getting a win, that's a big thing.”

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