SHANE SHOEMAKER
Writer
After scoring 14 points in the first quarter, Marion County was held to just seven over the next three quarters but still held on for a 21-14 win over York Institute.
The Warriors (9-1) scored on their first two drives after forcing a Dragons (1-9) punt. The backfield duo of Zaiden Humphrey and Mason Mays took care of the rest, with Humphrey finding the end zone first, followed by Mays breaking off a 36-yard touchdown run.
The pair combined for 158 of the Warriors’ 176 rushing yards, with Mays leading the way with 80. Humphrey added a 33-yard touchdown midway through the third quarter to extend the lead.
Marion’s miscues in the second quarter allowed York to climb back into the game. The Dragons recovered a Brett Webb fumble in the end zone for a safety, then returned an interception for a touchdown on the Warriors’ next possession.
Webb finished 3-of-6 passing for 29 yards and no touchdowns.
York added one more score on a 56-yard touchdown reception with just over four minutes left in regulation, but Marion’s defense sealed the win when Ty Binford intercepted York quarterback Ryder Smith to end their final drive.
The Warriors outgained the Dragons 205-80 in total yards and recorded four sacks from Ashton Martin, Garrett Tuders, William Kelley and Caden McCrary.
Marion County opens the TSSAA Class 2A playoffs this Friday, hosting Jackson County (6-4).
Photo by Dusty Tuders