Hard-charging Mt'neers clobber host Bluejays 44-13

By: 
Steven Chapman

A host of Mt’neers bring down the Bluejays’ ball carrier.

Braden Dodson runs the ball towards the endzone while Clayton Turner blocks a member of the Bluejays’ defense.

Earl Trimble attempts to tackle the Bluejays’ ball carrier.

The Mt. Vernon Mt’neers picked up yet another decisive victory in an away game against the Marshfield Bluejays on Friday, Oct. 14 at R.A. Barr Stadium in Marshfield. The team now has six wins for the 2022 Season.
Marshfield got onto the board first when they scored a touchdown about midway through first quarter; however, their attempt at a PAT failed, giving them six points.
Later in the quarter, the Mt’neers pulled ahead when Gavin Johnston completed a 49-yard touchdown pass to Clayton Turner, followed by a successful PAT by Malachi Hennum, making the score 7-6.
The Mt’neers really got heated up in second quarter, however, when they went on a scoring blitz that left the Bluejays in the dust. First, Braden Dodson made a two-yard touchdown plunge to cap of an offensive drive that began in late first quarter, which Hennum then followed up with another successful PAT to make the score 14-6.
Next, the Mt’neers seized possession of the ball when they recovered a fumble at the Marshfield 35-yard line. Four downs later, Hennum made a 36-yard field goal to extend the Mt’neers lead, 17-6.
The Mt’neers cut the Bluejays offensive drive short a second time when Jarrett Zerby made a 55-yard interception run to give the team their third touchdown of the night. A few minutes later, the Mt’neers again took possession of the ball on a squib kick made by the Bluejays; Johnston then went on to complete a 23-yard touchdown pass to Braxton Horton. Then, with three minutes left on the play clock, Alex Watts made a 12-yard touchdown run to give the team their fifth touchdown. Hennum followed up each of these touchdowns with a successful PAT, making the score 38-6 near the end of the quarter.
Finally, with less than a minute left in the half, Johnston completed a touchdown pass to Zerby. An attempt at a PAT was unsuccessful, leaving the score 44-6 at halftime.
The Bluejays did score one more touchdown with a PAT at the end of the game to make the final score 44-13.
Tom Cox, the Mt’neers head coach, praised both the team’s offense and defense.
“It all starts with defense,” he said. “Our guys continue to play with great enthusiasm and physicality. I love how they fly around to the ball. And offensively, what can you say? What a performance! After answering Marshfield's long touchdown run with a touchdown pass from Gavin Johnston to Clayton Turner in the first quarter, we scored four touchdowns and a field goal in the second quarter on offense.  Add Jarrett Zerby's Pick Six on defense, and you get 37 points in the blink of an eye. Braden Dodson scored three times on the ground, and Braxton Horton made a great catch for his fourth touchdown reception of the year. Malachi Hennum added another field goal to his already impressive numbers.”
Cox also attributed the victory to teamwork.  
“Once again, we played very well together,” he said. “Each player on this team brings their own talent, skill, personality and other contributions, not just on game day, but all week as we prepare for the upcoming opponent.”
This Friday, the Mt’neers return to Mt’neer Stadium, where they will face the Reeds Spring Wolves in the last regular game of the season. Cox said it will be a game people don’t want to miss.
The Reeds Spring Wolves are also 6-2, but they are undefeated on our side of the conference,” he said. “This game is for the outright championship of the Big 8 East. They have Missouri State commit Cayden Weist, who is a two-time All State performer. Overall, they have great size and speed; their quarterback has thrown 10 touchdown passes in the last two games. It will be a big challenge, but one we are really looking forward to. It is Senior night at Mountaineer Stadium, so I hope everyone comes out to celebrate what these guys have done and will continue to do with your support. Bleed Green!”

Category:

Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com

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