Victory! Mt’neers defeat Stockton Tigers, 11-0, in postseason

Mt. Vernon heads to Fair Grove, Friday, for second round action
 

The Mt’neers won their first game of the 2021 football season in an away game on Friday, Oct. 29 when they defeated the Stockton Tigers to open district postseason play. The victory, nine games in the making, advances them to the semifinals of the District 10 Championship.
The game began with a scoreless first quarter. However, at the end of the first, Caleb Rinker intercepted the ball, putting the Mt’neers on offense at the start of the second quarter.
The team suddenly caught fire, as Braden Dodson made an 81-yard dash down the field to the Tiger one-yard line. On the next play, he took the ball into the end zone, giving the Mt’neers their first touchdown of the night.
At first, the Mt’neers were going to follow up with a PAT. However, two penalties against the Tigers moved the Mt’neers to the Tiger one-yard line, so they opted for a two-point conversion instead. Freshman Gavin Johnston took the ball into the end zone, making the score 8-0.
Near the end of second quarter, the Tigers came within one yard of the Mt’neer end zone on a fourth-and-one. However, the Mt’neers pushed them back and forced a turnover on downs to take control of the ball for the remainder of the half.
The Mt’neers scored again about midway through fourth quarter. They pushed their way to the Stockton four-yard line, but being on a fourth down, opted for a field goal instead. Malachi Hennum successfully kicked the ball through the goal post to give the team three more points, and the game ended with a score of 11-0.
Tom Cox, head coach of the Mt’neers, was understandably pleased with the outcome of the game. He credited the players with the victory, stating it was a result of a lot of hard work and fortitude on the part of the team.
“I couldn't be happier for our players, coaches, support staff, families and fans,” Cox said. “The team has continued to show up every day, prepare for the upcoming opponent mentally and physically, and then play as hard as they can for as long as they can. This victory was a total team effort and I am so proud of each and every person on our squad. These guys have shown great perseverance and grit and have overcome so much adversity. This game will go down as one of my favorites; to see the look of joy on the faces of our players and coaches was awesome. It's a great day to be a Mountaineer.”
This Friday, the Mt’neers travel to Fair Grove, where they will play against the Eagles. The winner of this game advances to the district finals to face the winner of a matchup between East Newton and Lamar.