Madrid football opened its 2025 campaign with a hard-fought battle on the road, ultimately coming up just short in a 28-21 loss to Woodward-Granger Friday, August 29.
Quarterback Loken Velky led the Tigers’ offense with a solid performance, completing 8 of 13 passes for 171 yards.
Velky also added 39 rushing yards on 14 carries, showing poise and versatility under pressure.
Madrid’s ground game saw contributions from Easton Halverson, who rushed for 29 yards on 6 carries, and Will Atkinson, who added 25 yards on 9 attempts.
Through the air, Kinnick Grimm was a standout target, hauling in 3 receptions for 69 yards.
On the defensive side, Emerson Bridgewater anchored the unit with a team-high 10 tackles.
Atkinson followed closely with 9 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss.
Halverson chipped in with 6.5 tackles, while Thomas Skalicky and Quinton Moore each recovered a fumble to help keep Madrid in the game.
The Tigers (0-1) will look to regroup and defend their home turf on Friday, September 5, when they host North Mahaska (1-0).
Jill Lutz reporting
