Mustangs get big rivalry win
BY SCOTT WRIGHT / FOR THE RECORD
The Madison Academy Mustangs and Lauderdale County Tigers have met up in the last several seasons in what have become hard-hitting, low-scoring contests.
The Mustangs were able to oust the Tigers last year in the playoffs on their way to a state championship game appearance, and two years ago the Mustangs defeated Lauderdale County by the slimmest of margins, winning by one point.
In Friday night’s contest, Madison Academy used a late turnover to seal the victory, winning 24-10.
The first half saw the Tigers dominate the ball on offense, possessing the ball for nearly fifteen of the twenty-four minutes. Unfortunately for Lauderdale County, two big plays by sophomore Kerryon Johnson would put the Mustangs ahead right before the break 14-10.
The third-ranked Tiger team was lead offensively all night by junior quarterback Sam Grisham who consistently gained four and five yards after the Mustangs made initial contact.
As the second half began, the Mustangs were finally able to stop a Lauderdale County drive and forced the Tigers to hand the ball over on downs. Chandler Trach would kick a 29 yard field goal to push the Madison Academy lead to 17-10 going into the fourth quarter.
Neither team was able to break through in the second half, with both defenses stiffening against the offensive units. After holding the Mustangs on a fourth down and one play, the Tigers took ownership of the ball with 1:37 left in the game, trailing by seven points.
After gaining approximately five yards on the first play, Lauderdale County quarterback Sam Grisham attempted to heave the ball into the end zone and let his wide receiver make a play. Unfortunately for Grisham, Kerryon Johnson was waiting on the pass and intercepted the ball, returning it ninety-four yards for a touchdown.
That interception and run back “was incredible because it was a true team effort as my teammates hustled in front of me to throw blocks,” Johnson said. Johnson lead the Mustangs with ninety-six rushing yards and two touchdowns (not counting the interception return.)
The Tigers will take on the Deshler Tigers next Friday night while the Mustangs will celebrate “Homecoming” by hosting the Clements Colts.
