A fast start proved key for Mount Gilead in their season-opening 46-19 win at home over Triad Friday night in football.
The team got touchdown runs by Carson Trainer and Eliot Jones, as well as a Cam Vickers’ return of a blocked punt, in the first quarter in taking a 20-0 lead over their guests. Jones would get a second scoring run in the second quarter and Trainer would open the third with an 82-yard kick return for points, as the Indians increased their lead to 33-6. Vickers and Wyatt Long would both score on the ground in the fourth quarter as MG continued to hold a big lead over their guests.
Of MG’s 309 yards in the game, 304 came on the ground. Vickers led the team with 159, while Carson Barnum tallied 59 and Jones had 51.
“I’m proud of how we came out of the gate,” said head coach Mike Reid. “We forced them three-and-out on the first drive and then put together a scoring drive to take the lead early. We followed that up with another three-and-out and got a blocked punt. Cam Vickers scooped it up and took it in for another touchdown. The defense played strong early and our offense was able to put together another great drive. We couldn’t contain their great skill players every drive, but we did a great job of it.”
Cardington Pirates
Cardington got its football season off to a good start on Friday, topping Elgin at home by a 26-22 margin to open with a win.
The Pirates opened up a 14-6 lead going into the break and still were up 20-14 going into the final period before earning the hard-fought win.
Cardington tallied 272 yards in the game, with 149 coming on the ground. Wyatt Denney picked up 104 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns to pace the Pirates’ ground game. Journey Williamson connected on 5-of-8 passes for 123 yards, with Denton Garrison catching three balls for 66 of that total.
Highland Scots
The Highland football team suffered a tough loss at home to Fredericktown on Friday by a 30-28 margin in their season-opening contest.
After trailing 12-7 after the first quarter, they took a 21-18 edge into the locker room. However, they would not score again until late in the contest, turning a 30-21 deficit into a 30-28 score with under two minutes on the clock. Fredericktown would hold the ball the rest of the way to pick up the decision.
Kolton Stover threw for 192 yards and ran for 56 to lead the Scot offense. He hit on three touchdown passes, with Kadyn Reichenbach, Sam Hernandez and Branson Newsome all scoring. Zach Church added five receptions and also scored on an interception return.
Rob Hamilton can be reached at 419-946-3010, ext. 1807. Connect with him on Twitter at @SportsMCS
