Tough Start for the Tigers at Camdenton

The 2019 season kicked off with high anticipation for the Tigers football team, as they opened up Ozark Conference play at their longtime rival Camdenton Lakers. The Lakers entered into the season ranked #3 in Class 4 in the state, and the favorite to win the Ozark Conference. The Tigers come into the season with high expectations to make a push for their first Conference title since 2007. With a loaded roster of talented athletes, Waynesville rolled into Camdenton with a high level of confidence.

The first half was a physical battle between both schools. The Lakers scored a TD in the first quarter off of a wild scrambling pass from their QB. On the Tigers next possession, a dropped punt gave the Lakers great field position at the Waynesville 5 yard line, which lead to a second TD for the Lakers.

14-0 entering the 2^nd quarter, the Tigers went on a 5 play TD drive that started after SR DB Kevin Poinsette caused a fumble near mid field recovered by FR DE JaShawn Mabry-Lyles. The offensive drive was capped by a 26 yard TD run by SR TB Shen Butler-Lawson. The Lakers scored two more TDs and took a 28-6 lead into half time.

In the 4^th quarter the Lakers stretched the score to 36-6 before the Tigers scored on a 42 yard TD pass from JR QB Michael Lewis to SR WR Jaylen Andrews with about 7 minutes to play. The Lakers tacked on a late field goal to set the final score at 39-12.

Week 2 will bring the Class 6 Kickapoo Chiefs (0-1) to Waynesville for the Tigers 2019 season Home Opener.

Top performers for the Tigers:

SR WR Jaylen Andrews – 4 receptions, 104 yards, 1 TD

JR QB Michael Lewis – 10/22, 139 yards passing, 1 TD pass, 16 carries, 67 yards

SR TB Shen Butler-Lawson – 23 carries, 51 yards rushing, 1 rush TD, 3 receptions 29 yards

FR DE JaShawn Mabry-Lyles – 14 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 5 QB hits, 1 fumble recovery, 3 BIG hits

SR DB Kevin Poinsette – 7 total tackles, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 Interception