Mt’neers wallop Panthers, 42-15, in district play Mt. Vernon looks to top Seneca in district championship, Friday

By: 
Steve Chapman

Braden Dodson pushes past a Forsyth defense player as he runs the ball down the field.

Jake Leeper intercepts the ball midair from the Forsyth offense.

With a little help from Kade Jenkins and the other Mt’neers, Braden Dodson fights his way past the Panthers’ defense to score a touchdown.

Evading the Panther’s defense, Earl Trimble runs the ball down the field.

Ny Wells brings down the Panther’s ball carrier before he can advance.

The Mt. Vernon Mt’neers won yet another victory on Saturday, Nov. 5, when they defeated the Forsyth Panthers at Mt. Vernon Stadium in the Class 2, District 4 semifinals.
The Mt’neers drew first blood early in first quarter when Jarrett Zerby made a 58-yard touchdown run before even 20 seconds had passed on the play clock. Malachi Hennum followed up with a successful PAT to make the score 7-0.
Braden Dodson gave the Mt’neers their second touchdown of the day about midway through the quarter when he capped off the team’s offensive drive with a nine-yard touchdown run. Hennum again followed up with a successful PAT to bring the score to 14-0.
The team scored again about midway through second quarter when Gavin Johnston completed a 57-yard touchdown pass to Clayton Turner. Another PAT, courtesy of Hennum, made the score 21-0.
Nearing the end of the quarter, Dodson made another touchdown with a six-yard plunge into the end zone. A few minutes later, Zerby intercepted the ball to put the Mt’neers back on offense.
The team charged back to the Panther’s goal line, and with about 30 seconds left on the play clock, Dodson made a one-yard plunge. Hennum followed up both touchdowns with successful PATs, leaving the score at 35-0 at the half.

Second half mercy
The Mt’neers made their final touchdown of the game about midway through third quarter when Cody Downing finished up an offensive drive with a 12-yard run past the Panther’s goal line.
The Panthers got on the board in fourth quarter with two touchdowns; the first one was followed by a successful two-point conversion, while the second one was followed up with a PAT to make the score 42-15 at the end of the game.
Tom Cox, the Mt’neers head coach, was understandably pleased with the team’s performance.
“We got off to a nice start with a good kickoff return from Juliun Hernandez,” he said, “and it sure helped set the tone for the day when Jarrett Zerby went 58 yards for a touchdown on our first offensive play. There were many great blocks that got him to the edge. Our defense continued to play well, and our special teams were all in sync.  We had nine different players handle the ball.  

Braden Dodson led the way with 161 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 21 carries; Earl Trimble added 51 yards on seven carries. Cody Downing scored his first touchdown of the season on a beautiful 12-yard run, while Gavin Johnston hit a wide-open Clayton Turner on a 57-yard touchdown pass. Braxton Horton had three catches and Layton Pendleton added another one. Malachi Hennum was again a perfect six for six on extra points. As a team, we rushed for 257 yards on 34 carries for an average run of 7.97 yards. We can't do that without some outstanding offensive line play; the five starters are Payton West, Ny Wells, Kade Jenkins, Bryce Rinker and Danny Fields.  We were also 7-12 passing for 102 yards, and one touchdown and zero sacks.”
Cox also had high praise for the Mt’neers defense.
“Defensively, Braden Dodson led the way with 12 tackles, (while) Cody Downing had nine, including two for loss. Juliun Hernandez had seven tackles, and Caleb Rinker had a great game as outside linebacker with six tackles. Jarrett Zerby, Jake Leeper and Clayton Turner each had a pass interception, (and) Ashton Cottrell had our only quarterback sack. For the second week in a row, we were able to get a lot of young players some varsity reps. They turned the ball over once and gave up two late scores, however, they are gaining valuable experience.”
This week, the Mt’neers travel to Tom Hodge Field in Seneca for the district championship. Cox said he hopes the fans will fill the stadium.
“We travel to Seneca (on) Friday night to take on the 9-1 Seneca Indians in the Class 2, District 4 Championship game,” he said. “They have a very strong offense led by their running back Jackson Marrs. He is an outstanding player, but they have plenty to go with him. QB Gavyn Hoover has had an excellent year. The Indians are scoring 44 points per game and their defense is only giving up 19. Their victories include wins over Lamar and Reeds Spring. We will have to be at our best to advance to the State Quarterfinals. We hope to see Mountaineer Nation pack the stands on the south side of Tom Hodge Field Friday night. Bleed Green!”   
 

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Lawrence County Record

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

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