Waseca football players walked into a tough environment on Friday night at Albert Lea.

The Tigers entered their regular-season home game finale at 5-1, their best record in decades, and the school’s bleachers were rocking with fans supporting a storybook season.

“[The crowd] is electric. When good things happen for us, they really come alive. So it’s been really fun,” Albert Lea coach Paul Dunn said.

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The Tigers started the season 4-0 for the first time since 1989 and improved to 5-0 before losing their first game in week six.

“This has been a fantastic year for this community,” Albert Lea Mayor Rich Murray said. “I mean, this football team has just lit it up. We have unbelievable crowds out here. I think the last three weeks we’re over 4,500 people.”

Waseca overcame the big crowd, rolling to a 35-10 victory. Deron Russel scored the first two touchdowns, including a 60-yard punt return, and Jordan Johnston scored the final three touchdowns, including a 91-yard kickoff return to give the visitors a 28-10 lead at the half.

“I had to end the first half on a great note and then once I saw [the kickoff] in the air, I made a play on,” Johnston said.

Waseca (7-0), which hosts New Ulm on Wednesday, is seeking its first undefeated regular season since 2013. Albert Lea (5-2) closes out its regular season Wednesday at Belle Plaine.