eight tackles and Brylon Thibeaux added seven. Both are sophomores.
Freshman Herbert Bruno had four tackles and a sack while freshman Ezra Alexander had four tackles and freshman Dakyrnn Gradney had three.
Pierce said several players battled flu-like symptoms during the week, with a few starters missing some practice as a result.
“There were some guys a little bit more tired than usual, and we knew that going into the game,” Pierce said. “You try to do as much preparation as you can. That was still no excuse. They played their hearts out.
“In practice, we’re still doing a bad job of finishing. Pop played a whole lot of defense. Nelson played pretty much the whole game (on offense and defense). Noah’s still playing both sides. Cruz (Trail) was, Ricky (Gary) was. But they’re still young. They’re still playing hard. I just hate this so much for these seniors that have been battling their tails off when we ask them to do so much. That’s why I wanted this so bad for them.”
The Tigers open District 5-4A play against rival Cecilia at home on Friday. Senior defensive standout Tyler Judice will return from injury.
“They’re explosive,” Pierce said of the Bulldogs. “We just have to keep getting better and not shooting ourselves in the foot.”
