Tyner and Brainerd continued their football seasons’ divergent trajectories Friday as the Rams spoiled Brainerd’s senior night with a 32-8 victory, their seventh of a season that already includes the Region 3-2A title.
“We played extremely well on defense and executed pretty well on offense,” Rams coach Wayne Turner said. “There were a couple of tough calls that went against us, but I think we played pretty well offensively.”
Tyner (7-2) was assertive early, grabbing a 7-0 first quarter lead with the help of a 40-yard strike from Jaylen Bowens to Ke’un Webb.
The Rams then showed their balance in the second quarter, suffocating the Panthers (1-8) on defense and scoring on the ground and on special teams. Tyon Young ran it in from 8 yards out, and Jeremy Elston added an 87-yard punt return to make it 20-0 after the extra point.
“We have to learn how to fight a lot harder,” first-year Brainerd coach Tyrus Ward said. “We have to learn how to win football games at Brainerd. That culture hasn’t been created here. We know Tyner is going to be on the schedule again next year, and we’ll have a better showing.”