SHANE SHOEMAKER
Writer
Marion County’s undefeated season came to an abrupt end Friday night with an 18-6 loss to Chattanooga Preparatory School.
The Warriors (4-1) opened their first drive inside Chattanooga Prep territory after the kickoff, followed by a 10-yard run from Zaiden Humphrey. But four plays later, tailback Mason Mays was stopped short on a fourth-and-1 attempt. The Sentinels (2-2) responded with a 13-play, 80-yard drive capped by a 27-yard touchdown run.
Marion’s offense continued to struggle, going three-and-out on its next two possessions. With 6:32 left in the half, the Class 3A Sentinels extended their lead to 12-0 on a four-play, 93-yard drive that ended with a catch and run by Marquis Gardner. Another missed extra point kept the lead at 12.
The Warriors mounted one last first-half push, reaching inside Chattanooga Prep’s 20. But the drive stalled when they failed to convert a fourth-and-5.
Marion’s defense opened the second half with a stop, but just two plays later Humphrey threw his second interception of the night. This one was returned for a touchdown, stretching the deficit to 18-0.
Humphrey completed just three of 12 passes for 18 yards and two interceptions while rushing for 38 yards. Ashton Martin led the team with 45 rushing yards and scored Marion’s lone touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
The ball seemed to bounce the Sentinels’ way all evening. Despite forcing four fumbles, Marion failed to recover any of them. Chattanooga Prep controlled the game in nearly every facet, more than doubling Marion in time of possession (32:11 to 15:49) and outgaining the Warriors 316-127 in total offense.
After averaging 41.3 points per game in their first three games, Marion has scored just 22 points in their last two, with only two offensive scores.
The Warriors will look to regroup Friday night when it opens region play on the road at Monterey (1-3).
Photos by Gene Fuller