SHANE SHOEMAKER
Writer
On a night honoring the senior class and retiring Jacob Saylors’ jersey number, Marion County made sure to close out its final regular-season home game in dominant fashion, shutting out Cascade 33-0.
The Warriors (8-1) jumped ahead early in the first quarter when Mason Mays inched his way into the end zone. Mays added another touchdown just before halftime and finished second on the team in rushing with 56 yards.
Cascade managed to hold Marion County to six points until midway through the second quarter, when Zaiden Humphrey broke loose for a 29-yard touchdown run. Humphrey scored again just three plays into the Warriors’ opening drive of the second half to extend the lead to 26-0.
After forcing the Champions (3-6) to go four-and-out deep in their own territory, the Warriors quickly capitalized again, needing only two plays for Ashton Richards to find the end zone.
Marion County’s defense once again proved why it’s among the toughest in Class 2A, holding Cascade to just eight first downs and 75 total yards. The Warriors forced two turnovers and recorded two sacks, both from senior Ashton Martin, who also led the team in rushing with 66 yards.
The Warriors will wrap up the regular season on the road Thursday at York Institute (1-8), hoping to avoid any Halloween tricks and collect one last treat before the TSSAA Class 2A playoffs begin.
Photos by Gene Fuller