Notes from Albert Lea-Century game

By Nick Gerhardt

Published Saturday, October 3, 2009

Following the game several Tiger players held a Woodstock-like celebration near the east end zone, diving into the mud in only their underwear. Needless to say the locker room was a muddy place.

Albert Lea's win over Century was the first time the Tigers have beaten a 5A school since 1998 when they beat Century 7-6 in Rochester, both teams were winless coming into the game. It was the last victory for the Tigers before they went on a 40-game losing streak that ended in 2003.

Friday nights are typically pretty busy nights for the Tribune, but it was especially busy following the Tigers 26-21 upset win. Two different newspapers called about the game and the AP called looking for the score. One newspaper called to verify the score because they couldn't believe the result.

Nikko Grace nearly had a third interception in the game on Century's second-to-last possession but couldn't come up with it. What a fitting ending that would have been for the senior who has missed most of the season with a shoulder injury.

The loss put the Panthers in a difficult position to win the conference with Mankato West still undefeated. Century could have clinched a share of the title if it kept pace with the Scarlets.