Tayshawn Jones (4) and Mylan Bell (19) dive to block an extra point attempt during Friday night’s opener at Lincoln County. (Photo Courtesy of Paul Henry)
STAFF REPORT
FAYETTEVILLE — The first half of Friday night’s season opener at Lincoln County couldn’t have gone any worse for Marshall County.
With torrential rains and the Falcons dominating time of possession, Lincoln County raced out to a 21-0 lead by halftime.
But the Falcons had to rely on a two-point conversion attempt with just over a minute left in regulation to outlast a wild ending against the Tigers as Lincoln County held on to win 21-20.
Just about everything fell Lincoln County’s way in the first half, from the rain, to the Falcons dominating time of possession, to Marshall County being limited to just a handful of possessions in the first half, nothing seemed to fall the Tigers’ way.
Lincoln County on the other hand relied on running back Casen Carter who went for three scores in the first half.
He put the hosts on the board with a 10-yard run in the first quarter and followed with scoring runs of six and three yards in the second quarter.
Things seemed to skew even further toward the Falcons after Lincoln County got a stop to open the second half.
Marshall County took advantage of a bad snap on a punt attempt, which was blocked by Kel Hightower and returned two yards by Davion Stanley to put the Tigers on the board.
From there, senior quarterback Tyler Thompson put the Tigers on his back and found the end zone twice in the fourth quarter, the second of which came with 1:15 left in regulation, bringing the Tigers back within a single point.
Opting to go for the win on a two-point conversion attempt, the Falcon defense held strong and came up with the goal-line stand to secure the game.
The Tigers continue their non-district slate to start the season and will host Shelbyville Central on Friday night in the home opener.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Preston Hopkins field.
Marshall Co. 0 0 7 13 — 20
Lincoln Co. 7 14 0 0 — 21
First Quarter
LC — Carsen Carter 10 run, (Gatlin Mole kick), 4:54.
Second Quarter
LC — Carter 6 run, (kick failed), 9:58.
LC — Carter 3 run, (TraShawn Jean 2pt. run), :16.
Third Quarter
MC — Davion Stanley 2-yard blocked punt return, (Luis Gonzalez kick), 7:56.
Fourth Quarter
MC — Tyler Thompson 4 run, (Gonzalez kick), 6:15.
MC — Thompson 1 run, (2pt. run failed), 1:15. 