Mylan Bell (19) finds a crease through the Columbia Academy defense and races 47 yards after hauling in a pass from quarterback Tyler Thompson to score in the third quarter. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
Aiden Bryant shrugs off the Bulldog defense and charges forward for a short gain. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
LEWISBURG — For the second-straight week, the Marshall County Tigers shutout their opponent, although Friday’s win over Columbia Academy on Homecoming night might mean just a bit more.
In front of a packed crowd at Preston Hopkins Field, the Tigers completely dominated the Bulldogs and claimed their second-straight shutout, beating Columbia Academy, 45-0.
“Second week in a row we’ve held the opponent scoreless and I’m really proud of our school and community. We’ve had a great week,” Tiger coach Thomas Osteen said.
After shutting out Battle Creek, 56-0, a week ago, the Tigers delivered on Homecoming night.
Senior quarterback Tyler Thompson accounted for three touchdowns in the win, going 13-of-21 for 108 yards and a pair of touchdown passes, while rushing for another.
Sophomore tailback Tot Gardner also had a banner night, toting the ball seven times for 73 yards and a pair of touchdowns as well.
Early on, Marshall County appeared to find a rhythm on the offensive side of the ball, but the game plan of pushing the ball to t
Tyler Thompson completed 13-of-21 pass attempts for 108 yards and a pair of scores in Friday night’s Homecoming win. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
he perimeter led to a handful of Tiger penalties that set the hosts behind the chains.
“We tried to get the ball on the perimeter a lot tonight. I think we had three or four receiver perimeter blocking holding calls that got us behind schedule, but we got a bunch of push in the run game,” Osteen said.
“Just proud of the guys. I felt like we started the game out of rhythm on offense a little bit—and that’s how it goes on Homecoming sometimes.”
In total, the Tigers cranked out 208 yards of real estate on the ground.
Aiden Bryant led all Tigers out of the backfield, totaling 88 yards on 12 touches.
Mylan Bell was the biggest producer in the pass game for Marshall County, despite making just one catch.
But that one catch came on a 47-yard catch and run for a touchdown late in the third quarter.
Leading the Tiger defense that pitched its second-straight shutout were Nixon Love and Tripp Stennis who each recorded seven tackles.
“You can’t be a great team unless you’re good on defense. We’ve taken steps all year and our defense has taken some huge steps,” Osteen said.
The Tigers don’t get long to rest on their laurels of their second-straight shutout win, as Marshall County dives back into region play on Thursday night at Montgomery Central.
“It’s our goal to win a region championship. We have three games left to decide that and the next step is a long road trip to Montgomery Central,” Osteen said.
And while a short week might be a tough task for a lot of teams, Osteen said he likes late-season short week games, especially leading in to a bye week.
“I like playing short weeks, especially late in the year. I feel like sometimes, the guys can be a little bit fresher,” he said.
Marshall County will kickoff on Thursday night at Montgomery Central at 7 p.m.
Columbia Acad. 0 0 0 0 — 0
Marshall Co. 14 14 10 7 — 45
First Quarter
MC — Tot Gardner 1 run, (Rodner Rogel kick), 8:36.
MC — Marks Mitchell 4 pass from Tyler Thompson, (Rogel kick), :53.
Second Quarter
MC — Kaden Harris 65 interception return, (kick failed), 8:21.
MC — Thompson 1 run, (Mitchell 2pt. run), :28.
Third Quarter
MC — Rogel 31-yard field goal, 7:35.
MC — Mylan Bell 47 pass from Thompson, (Rogel kick), 2:58.
Fourth Quarter
MC — Gardner 17 run, (Rogel kick), 7:54.