St. Mary’s gave new coach Jacob Carruth an opening night victory as the Class A Tigers smothered the 2A Vidalia Vikings 2-6 Thursday night at Turpin Stadium.

The St. Mary’s defense took control and even scored on its own, getting an 85-yard pick six interception return by Gavin Solomon.

Quarterback Preston Tilley punched into the end zone from two yards away.

Tight end Dennis Morgan caught a 40-yard touchdown pass.

The Tigers closed the scoring by recording a safety.

St. Mary’s will play in Coushatta in Week 2, visiting another Class 2A opponent, Red River, next Friday night.

In Olla, Lakeview was beaten 54-13 by LaSalle Thursday night in the season opener for both teams.

The Gators, who have the third-longest string of losses in the state (28), will get a good shot at ending it next Friday night when they travel to Plain Dealing, which has the longest skid, 44 games, entering its season opener.

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