Tot Gardner totaled 146 yards on 11 carries and finished with three touchdowns to help lead the Marshall County offense on Thursday at Montgomery Central. (Post File Photo by Chris Siers)
STAFF REPORT
CUNNINGHAM — Between the Marshall County Tiger defense and sophomore tailback Tot Gardner, it’s tough to say who had the more impressive night on Thursday night at Montgomery Central.
Gardner totaled 146 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while the Tiger defense recorded its third-straight shutout, beating the Indians 50-0
Gardner kicked off the scoring frenzy with the only points scored in the first quarter coming on a nine-yard touchdown run, but the kick after failed.
The Tigers went to the air for their next two scores with senior quarterback Tyler Thompson connecting with Kaiden Harris on a one-yard touchdown toss and later with Kel Hightower on a seven-yard strike.
By halftime, Marshall County built a 21-0 lead.
Gardner continued his relentless ground attack into the third quarter, breaking loose for a 51-yard touchdown run.
Thompson connected with Elijah Cable for the successful two-point conversion attempt, bumping the score to 29-0.
While Gardner was the bell cow for the Tigers on Thursday night, Aiden Bryant got in on the action as well.
He found the end zone when he bolted 13 yards to paydirt for the second touchdown of the third period.
Gardner put a cap on a banner night in the fourth quarter on a 32-yard touchdown run, but the Tigers weren’t finished piling up the points on the scoreboard.
Keyson Davis recorded a punt return for the final points scored in the blowout victory.
Bryant finished the night with 42 yards on eight carries and a touchdown, while Thompson added 30 yards on four carries.
Hightower was Thompson’s top target in the win, making seven catches for 74 yards and a score, while Harris finished with four grabs for 40 yards.
Defensively, Marshall County held Montgomery Central in check and gave up just 92 yards of offense, while the Tigers cranked out 369 total offensive yards.
The win is the third-straight for the Tigers, who have now won four of their last five games.
Thursday night also marked the final regular season road game as well.
Marshall County will return to Preston Hopkins Field on October 24 after an off week, before closing out the regular season with region matchups against Spring Hill and Creek Wood.
Marshall County 6 15 14 15 — 50
Montgomery Centra 0 0 0 0 — 0