Sports media was abuzz over the weekend with stories of the Isidore Newman Greenies’ Arch Manning and first loss of the season at the hands of the Many Tigers, without as much emphasis put on the stellar effort put forth by Sabine’s football team throughout not only this game, but its entire first month of play. The final score was 25-17, but not without some late-game theatrics.
For those not in the know, Arch is a member of the Manning football dynasty, which began with beloved Louisiana native Archie Manning and extended to his three sons Cooper, Peyton, and Eli. Arch is the son of Cooper Manning and the number one ranked recruit in the nation. He has committed to playing at the Texas Longhorns following his high school career.
While the narrative in many other outlets is that of the Manning family, they pay little to no attention to the fact that the Many Tigers were solidly the best team that night led on by four-star recruits Tackett Curtis and Tylen Singleton. Both are considered four star recruits with Curtis making national news often and already committed to the University of Southern California. Stories name him as the number six recruit nationwide. Singleton is a 6’2” offensive and defensive threat weighing 200 pounds.
Curtis is the nephew of Many Tiger Head Coach Jess Curtis, whose expert leadership with the Tigers has turned them into the number one ranked football threat in Louisiana in 2A. The Tiger dynasty, which is bigger than any one athlete and family, has seen multiple state championships won, along with numerous alumni having been recruited by the biggest college programs in the United States. Football runs deep in their family, as his father, John Curtis, Sr., has been one of the biggest supporters of Many Tiger football for decades, even before his sons and grandchildren were participants. Many’s football stadium even carries his name after it was upgraded with field turf several years ago.
The game played out much like the majority of the Tigers’ games over the past decade plus.
The Tigers were off to a strong lead early, as they began the game recovering an onside kick. Running back Trent Williams finished off the first drive with a score that gave the Tigers an early lead. The defense also put on a splendid display of sport during the game, keeping Manning from completing his first pass until his 10th attempt of the game in the second quarter. At the half, Newman was down 15-10, as it had been all season. Except this time Arch Manning had no late-game theatrics or answers to Many’s defense, and the Tigers were the ones left celebrating their victory when the final whistle sounded by a score of 25-- 17.
To start the seasons, the Tigers have defeated Sam Houston 38-3, De-Ridder 50-7, and Haughton 35-3. This Friday they are away at Mansfield, with that game starting at 7 p.m.