The Stroud Tigers plowed through Hennessey, 52-3, on Senior Night Friday and racked up their fourth consecutive district championship.
The Tigers clinched the District 2A-II1 title, even though they still have a game left at Luther Friday night.
“These seniors have never lost a district game in their careers,” said coach Josh Presley. “The closest district ballgame they’ve ever seen was 21 points against Hartshorne their freshman year. I’m super proud of these guys.
“They’ve never been tested in the district over the last four years, and that’s something they can be proud of. They can brag about that for the rest of their lives. They can put that district championship sticker up on the board and they can always come back and see it.”
As district champs, the Tigers get to host the first round of the playoffs, which will be Nov. 13 against the loser of Friday night’s game between Dibble and Beggs.
The Tigers are 6-0 in district and have won the six games by a cumulative score of 311-25. They’ve recorded three shutouts and their closest game was a 25-point win at Alva.
Friday night followed that same theme as Stroud led 33-3 at the half and was never threatened.
The Tigers racked up 663 yards of total offense and held the visiting Eagles to 198.
Stroud had 381 yards rushing, with Trystan Baker accounting for 170 and two touchdowns on just seven carries. London Ward had eight carries for 113 yards. Freshman Lane Day carried the ball once - for a 74-yard touchdown.
Quarterback Jeremiah Cropp had a stellar night, completing seven of 10 throws for 222 yards and three touchdowns.
Aiden Collins was his favorite target, catching four balls for 159 yards and three touchdowns.
Jessen Leathers caught two passes for 65 yards and Jacob Beck had two receptions for 58 yards.
“Defensively, we played really well again,” Presley said. “We’ve done a fantastic job all year. I think we’ve averaged giving up nine points a game all year and that’s something to be really proud of.
“We take great pride around here in playing good defense and getting 11 hats to the football.”
“I’m just so proud of the team effort. We always talk to the kids: ‘How do you play when the ball’s not in your hands?’ It’s easy to give great effort when the ball is in your hands, but what about when it’s not?
“Chalin Morris and Jacob Beck gave great effort all night long. They’re not the only two, but those two guys made some hustle plays and effort plays that were just outstanding.”