The Mendenhall Tigers dropped their final non-district game last Friday against the Scott Central Rebels 20-28. It was a tough game for the Tigers against an unbeaten opponent. Mendenhall made enough positive plays to win the game but came up short.
The team got off to a slow start before settling into the game. However, whenever a momentum shifting play occurred for the Tigers a penalty flag seemed to follow immediately afterwards.
After falling behind 7-20 at the end of the first half, the Tigers adjusted and put together an impressive third quarter. Their ability to adjust mid-game is on par with any team in the state and
has made way for some climactic fourth quarter finishes.
The Tigers received the ball after halftime and put together an impressive drive ending in a touchdown pass to Darius Dampier. Markquise King set the tone for the Tigers on defense finding his way into the backfield for tackles and pressuring the Rebels quarterback. Pressure and good tackling by the Tigers forced mistake. Prentiss Eichwurtzle was giving the opposing center problems from the nose guard position which led to a bad snap and fumble.
The Tigers recovered the fumble and took advantage of good field position. Darius Dampier made a diving catch in the end zone for a touchdown to tie the game at 20-20. The game was tied entering the fourth quarter.
Scott Central did an excellent job winning the time of possession battle and milking the clock. They eventual scored the go-ahead touchdown making the score 28-20 following a successful two-point conversion. The Tigers had a chance late in the game, but a strip sack essentially ended the game. The Tigers did not play a bad game but must find a way to start faster and dominate all four quarters.
Head Coach Chuckie Allen said, “We came out flat. Now we have to get ready for district.”
DK Jenkins finished the game with 160 passing yards two passing touchdowns and an interception. He also led all rushers with 14 carries for 59 yards. Tyler Bridges rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown on six carries.
Darius Dampier led all receivers with 7 receptions for 104 yards and two touchdowns. He was followed by Nick Williams with 3 catches for 45 yards.
Sophomore Linebacker Davin Chung led the Tigers defense with 11 tackles. Markquise King finished with 8 tackles with 3 being for a loss. King played well along the defensive line. Tyree Bridges and Chance Barron each finished with 8 tackles.
The Tigers will roll into their district schedule this Thursday on the road against the Newton County Cougars.
