Trevor Kruger scampers into the end zone with a raised finger Friday night in Douglas High’s 26-0 win over Galena to kick off the football season.
Photo by Ron Harpin.
Douglas High head coach Ernie Monfiletto said postgame he couldn’t remember the last time the Tigers had shut anyone out.
A shutout was exactly how Douglas started the season, posting a 26-0 victory on their home turf over Galena.
For senior running back Trevor Kruger, there was nothing that could have matched Friday night.
“It means everything to me. I thought I was done for sure. Getting the opportunity to come out and play, and play your heart out, it was a really good time,” said Kruger. “My last first game and we’re going to make it great.”
Kruger had a touchdown in the win and easily had 20-plus touches on the night.
For coach Monfiletto, being out on the field was special.
However, getting to see his team perform in such a way to open the season was the finishing touches to his Friday night.
“Our expectation was to play like that and I’m so excited that those kids showed up with that energy and desire,” Monfiletto said.
First half domination
From the jump, the Tigers were in control.
With the exception of a couple red zone turnovers, the Tigers pushed the Grizzlies around in the opening 24 minutes of action.
Galena deferred after winning the toss and Douglas responded by taking the ball and punching it into the end zone.
Aden Flory found Cam Swain on a short curl route on fourth-and-6 to keep the drive alive and Christopher Smalley took the Tigers inside the five with a 26-yard end around.
Trevor Kruger capped Douglas’ opening drive on the next play with a 3-yard carry for six.
“I was told by coach we were going to run the ball a lot and I was ready,” said Kruger.
Galena was able to block the extra point, but fumbled away its own possession two plays later on a bad snap.
Smalley was given credit for the fumble recovery and was rewarded by scoring on Douglas’ ensuing drive.
The 13-0 lead turned to 20-0 in the middle of the second quarter after the Tigers’ defense blocked a punt, giving the offense a short field.
Gabe Foster punched in the following touchdown from two yards away, resulting in a three-possession lead for Douglas.
By the end of the half, the Tiger defense held the Grizzly offense to negative seven yards gained.
“I’ve never been part of a team that gets to the ball faster and hits harder than these guys,” Kruger said. “They’re absolute beasts out there.”
The second half didn’t feature many sparks but did include Smalley’s second touchdown on the evening – a five-yard run out of the wildcat formation.
Jacob Brady was able to pick up a fumble late in the fourth quarter that allowed Douglas to bring in the backups and solidify the win.
The Tiger defense hits hard and numerous times big hits were met with rousing cheers from the sideline.
The defense calls itself ‘The Black Force’ and the Tigers fully expect to be able to back that nickname up.
“They call themselves The Black Force and they were forceful tonight,” Monfiletto said.
UP NEXT: Douglas (1-0) doesn’t have long to celebrate as the Tigers head to Bishop Manogue next Friday. The Miners bested Spanish Springs 38-16 in their opening game.
