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PREP FOOTBALL: Tigers return for home opener against Tri-City United

Independent file photo Marshall’s Yahya Black rushes the quarterback during their game against Tri-City United on Oct. 12, 2018. The Tigers will face the Titans tonight for their home opener.

MARSHALL – After opening their season with a 34-12 victory over Fairmont last week, the Marshall football team returns to Mattke Field to face Tri-City United in their home opener.

The Tigers were led last week by senior running back Gabe Raini, who rushed for 198 yards and four touchdowns while Konnor Aufenthie threw for 70 yards on 5 of 13 passing and Bryce Lance caught two passes for 40 yards.

Marshall coach Terry Bahlmann said he was pleased with a lot of the things they were able to do last week but knows the season is still very early and they have a lot to work on.

“It was pretty typical first game, we did a lot of good things and had a lot of things that we can clean up,” Bahlmann said. “Offensively, we moved the ball in short bursts and controlled the line of scrimmage, but we want to have some big play capabilities.”

Offensively, Marshall combined for nearly 400 total yards, with 319 of those coming from the ground game. Raini said their main focus this week has been on cleaning up their mistakes and sticking to their game.

“We’ve just been working on cleaning up our mistakes from last week. We have a very good line, they’re very powerful up front and controlled the line. We also have some great blocking backs, especially our fullbacks,” Raini said. “We just need to be on time with our routes and doing what we need to do and stick to our rules.”

Defensively, the Tigers were able to limit Fairmont to just 201 yards of total offense, including minus 19 yards rushing. Bahlmann said the secondary is one area their defense is looking to clean up this week.

“Defensively for us, our improvement areas are in the secondary,” Bahlmann said. “We held them (Fairmont) to minus 19 rushing and we expect our front seven to be strong all season, so we need to be disciplined in everything we do and get better in the secondary.”

Tri-City United comes in looking to bounce back after a 57-8 loss to Waseca to start the season.

Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. Raini said he’s looking forward to playing in front of the home crowd and seeing the support from the Marshall fans.

“It’s a great feeling, I’m super excited,” Raini said. “It feels like you have a whole town behind your back with the thousands of fans, your teammates, peers and family, so it’s a great feeling.”

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