It doesn’t figure to get any easier for the Albert Lea High School football team.

Thursday, September 06, 2001

It doesn’t figure to get any easier for the Albert Lea High School football team.

The Tigers, however, figure on getting better.

With another week of practice and the experience of last Friday’s season-opening loss to Owatonna, the Tigers are looking for continued progress as they travel to Mankato West this week.

The Tigers will face a Scarlet team that went 2-6 last year but surprised Rochester Century 14-0 in the 2001 opener. West’s performance in that game was reportedly similar to the Tigers in their opener – the Scarlets played well defensively but sputtered when they had the ball, producing only one offensive touchdown.

&uot;We were kind of impressed with how physical and real tough defensively they were against Century,&uot; said first-year Tigers head coach Jeff Marty.

The Tigers’ emphasis, according to Marty, is to avoid some missed defensive assignments that cost the team in last week’s 41-0 loss to Owatonna. Marty also wants to see more offense from his team.

&uot;We’re trying to get a few more things ironed out defensively,&uot; said Marty. &uot;Offensively, we’ve just got to find some rhythm.&uot;

Other area teams look to get a tough test Friday, though all but one will be at home.

Glenville-Emmons hosts two-time defending Southern Confederacy Conference champion Nicollet, while United South Central entertains Martin County West at Wells. New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva faces Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial at New Richland. Alden-Conger hosts St. Clair. Game time for all is 7 p.m.

In Iowa, Northwood-Kensett has its home opener against St. Ansgar while Lake Mills travels to Belmond-Klemme. These games start at 7:30.