In a stadium where the intensity was as high as the temperature, Gilbert learned a lesson in a 47-0 loss to Notre Dame Preparatory Friday.

"As the game went on, we definitely learned how not to play a football game,” quarterback Will Plummer said. “Today’s the day that we realized we can’t play another game like this if we want to try to go to the playoffs.”

Despite the loss, Zellner recognized the Tigers (2-1) have a whole season ahead. “This game doesn’t define our season,” Zellner said. “We’ll get back on track for next week and keep fighting and scratching.”

The offensive line struggled throughout the game, which constantly forced Plummer to work without a clean pocket. However, Plummer praised the offensive line for improving throughout the game. “As the game went on, I’d say the line protection definitely got better,” Plummer said. 

The Tigers started out solid on defense. The first play of the game was an interception by linebacker Ray Vega. The game remained scoreless for the majority of the first quarter until the Saints broke through with a touchdown. By the end of the first quarter, the Saints were up 19-0.

The Tigers trailed 26-0 at halftime. Then, the offense surged after the break, driving all the way to the Saints red zone, which resulted in a missed field goal.

The Tigers defense was torched by many big plays. “Our main struggle was just people missing assignments, stuff that we work on weekly,'' safety Marco Meza said. “Just do your job. We just need to step up our game and then play our assignment,”

The Tigers committed 12 penalties for a combined 90 yards. Coach Derek Zellner alluded to the Tigers struggles against the Saints, but said the problems could be fixed.

Zellner said several Tigers experienced cramps during the game, which forced younger players to play. “We need to treat our bodies better during the week,” Zellner said.

Meza praised the Tigers younger players. “The young guys stepped up and that’s a good thing,” Meza said. “They all want to help us seniors out.”

The Tigers travel to Goldwater next Friday.