Tot Gardner snags a one-handed catch and turns it into a 60-yard strike late in the third quarter. Gardner’s score ultimately proved to be the game-winner on Friday night. (Photo Courtesy of Main Street Preps)
STAFF REPORT
COLUMBIA — Tot Gardner scored three touchdowns, highlighted by what proved to be the game-winning score in the third quarter on a 60-yard reception, as the Marshall County Tigers bounced back into the win column with Friday night’s 27-21 win at Columbia.
Late in the third quarter, Gardner hauled in a pass in the flat from senior quarterback Tyler Thompson and turned it into a 60-yard catch and run after snagging the one-handed catch.
While the Lions got a touchdown on an eight-yard run from Daniel Booker in the fourth quarter, Gardner’s third-quarter strike ultimately proved to be the difference in the game.
Out of the gates, Marshall County set the tone for the game and found the end zone twice in the final four minutes of the opening frame.
Thompson scored the game’s first touchdown on a four-yard run with 3:40 left in the period and Gardner followed up with his first touchdown of the night on a 10-yard jaunt with 1:08 to go.
Leading 14-0, Columbia cut the Tiger lead in half when Booker sliced into the end zone from a yard out with 9:09 left in the half, but barely a minute later, Gardner struck again, rattling loose for 65 yards.
Gardner was the highlight of the night for the Tigers, totaling 121 yards on 12 touches.
Thompson added 40 yards on 10 carries as well.
He also completed 12-of-19 attempts for 189 yards.
The Tigers will continue their slate of three-straight road games on Friday night at Tyner Academy.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Marshall Co. 14 7 6 0 — 27
Columbia 0 7 7 7 — 21
First Quarter
MC — Tyler Thompson 4 run, (Rodner Rogel), 3:40.
MC — Tot Gardner 10 run, (Rogel kick), 1:08.
Second Quarter
C — Daniel Booker 1 run, (Elijah Raymer kick), 9:09.
MC — Gardner 65 run, (Rogel kick), 8:10.
Third Quarter
C — Dallas King 15 pass from Booker, (Ryamer kick), 5:26.
MC — Gardner 60 pass from Thompson (kick blocked), 3:07.
Fourth Quarter
C — Booker 8 run, (Raymer kick), 8:17.