SHANE SHOEMAKER
Writer
The Marion County Warriors (1-0) returned to the gridiron last Friday night, picking up where they left off last season with a 33-3 win over Brainerd (0-1).
It took a little while for the defending 2A champions to get rolling. After just two plays to open the game, junior quarterback Zaiden Humphrey went down with what coaches called a stinger. He didn’t return, leaving senior Brett Webb to handle the duties under center.
With Webb in, the Warriors leaned on the ground game, attempting just four passes all evening and completing none for zero yards.
After a scoreless first quarter, Marion finally broke through early in the second when Mason Mays ran back a 35-yard punt return for the game’s first score. He added another touchdown later in the quarter on a three-yard run to make it 14-0, then struck again early in the third.
Mays, Ashton Richards and Ashton Martin formed a three-headed monster that powered the Warriors’ offense. The trio combined for 141 of the team’s 160 rushing yards and all four touchdowns. Martin led the way with 53 yards on nine carries.
The Warriors’ defense was stout as usual, holding the Panthers to just a field goal late in the first half. Brainerd struggled with ball security, fumbling five times and losing three of them.
The win marked Marion County’s eighth straight victory dating back to last year.
The Warriors return home Friday for a district matchup against Polk County (0-1) at Bill Baxter Stadium. The Wildcats are coming off a 22-12 loss to McMinn Central.
Photos by Marilyn Qualls