|
Special to the Journal
MOOREVILLE - Even Gary Johnson couldn't have scripted a better opening to his first career start for Mooreville in its rivalry tilt with Mantachie.
The sophomore directed the Troopers (1-1) on offense while a stout rushing defense limited the Mustang (0-2) attack to just 153 total yards in Mooreville's 14-6 victory on Friday night at Steve Bass Field.
Taking the reins of the Trooper offense for injured classmate Drew Wheeler, Johnson dazzled the home crowd with a 51-yard scamper in which he waltzed into the endzone untouched with 10 minutes, 15 seconds to play in the opening period.
"Gary's just an athlete," Mooreville coach Kevin Austin said. "Quarterback's not his natural position. He's come to work hard and has had a great attitude. When Drew went down, he played exactly where we needed to have him."
The Mooreville defense was forced to hold onto the eight-point lead after a fumbled snap and the combined efforts of Blaine Davis and Rob Thompson got the Mustangs to the Mooreville 1 after starting at the 37.
Josh Box saved a touchdown by pulling Davis to the ground on third down, and Davis was met behind the line by a group of Trooper defenders on the game's final play to secure the win.
"We made some plays to give ourselves a chance," Mantachie skipper Mike Hill said. "This is what high school football is all about. We had some excitement, and we saw some young men grow up tonight. Everyone learned something, and my hat goes off to Mooreville. Both teams played their hearts out, but they were able to come out on top."
The second half could not have started much better for the Mustangs as a healthy dose of Tyler Snead, who rushed five times for 33 yards on the drive, put the visitors within striking distance. Jeremy Warren put the finishing touches on the 63-yard series with a 3-yard touchdown toss to Zach Westmoreland to bring the score to 7-6.
It appeared as those the Mustangs were poised to take their first lead of the contest, but the Troopers defense had other ideas. After Mantachie recovered an onside kick attempt in Mooreville territory, Benton Whitt had two tackles-for-loss and Brayden Whitmon added a sack as Mantachie lost 17 yards and had to punt the ball back to Troopers.
Eight straight carries from Jonathan Yant, highlighted by a 3-yard touchdown scamper, extended the Troopers' lead to 14-6. Yant took a pitch from backup quarterback Griff Loftis and rambled to pay dirt.
"It was sloppy out here tonight, and it showed on both sides," Austin added. "I thought both teams played their hearts. It's a shame either team had to lose, but I'm glad to get the win. That was something we needed the most, and even though we have a lot of work to do, I'm glad to get this win."
Johnson led all ball carriers with 120 yards on 24 attempts, while Yant provided 84 tough yards on 13 totes. Both had a score. Meanwhile, Snead had 69 yards and Davis added 20 on the game's final drive to lead Mantachie. The Mustangs recovered three fumbles in the game.
Both teams will be at home next week as Walnut visits Mooreville and Mantachie plays host to Nettleton.
Box score:
Mooreville 14, Mantachie 6
Mantachie 0 0 6 0 - 6
Mooreville 7 0 7 0 - 14
MOR – Gary Johnson 51 rush (Matthew Pannel kick), 10:15
Third Quarter
MAN – Zach Westmoreland 3 pass from Jeremy Warren (2 pt failed), 8:17
MOR – Jonathan Yant 21 rush (Pannel kick), 2:37
Records: Mooreville 1-1, Mantachie 0-2
No comments:
Post a Comment