It was an expected performance from the Mendenhall Tigers in their blowout win over the Lanier Bulldogs last Friday night.
The Tigers cruised to a 41-0 win and had an opportunity to rest many some of their starters as they prepare for the second round of state playoffs.
Star players for the Tigers showed up on defense from the opening kickoff. Princeton Miller opened the game with a tackle for a loss, followed by plays for little to no gain made by Markquise King and Fred Dampeer. Lanier was overwhelmingly outmatched and could not get any push along the line of scrimmage.
Tyree Sarge Bridges made a heads-up play after the Bulldogs snapped the ball over their punter’s head. Bridges tackled the punter on their five-yard line, setting up a touchdown for his twin brother Tyler Bridges two plays later. Tyler then punched in the rushing attempt to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead following Sam Smith’s extra point. Smith was perfect on all of his extra point attempts, going 5 for 5 after breaking out his new cleats.
The next possession was the same for the Bulldogs except that Sarge Bridges recovered the ball in the endzone for a touchdown to make the score 14-0. An interception by Victor Davis on the next possession saw the Tiger offense take the field up 14-0. Tayton James led them onto the field and the first play of the drive was a 48-yard touchdown pass to Chris Davis. It was a perfect play and showed the potential that the offense possesses. James threw his best ball of the season— it dropped out of the sky and found Davis in stride 38 yards down the field.
With the Tigers leading 21-0, the game was already over. The Bulldogs went through the motions and the Tigers continued to play to their standards. Defensively, Markquise King made plays all over the field and was disruptive in the backfield. Dampeer and Eichwurtzle were a stone wall and played their responsibilities perfectly.
Tayton James led the offense back onto the field and the Tigers were getting whatever they wanted. James ended the drive with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Allen to make the score 28-0. Lanier moved within field goal range on their next offensive possession but missed the attempt. James and the offense took over from the 18-yard line and marched down the field for another touchdown when James scored on a 30 yard run. The score was 35-0 entering halftime.
Following halftime, the Tigers put in their underclassmen, and they too maintained a high level of play. The defense kept the Bulldogs out of the endzone, and backup quarterback Myles Womack was able to put together a scoring drive. Womack completed four of six passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. The final score of 41-0 was a great opening statement for the playoffs and put the rest of the field on notice.
Mendenhall Head Coach Chuckie Allen said, “We did what we had to do. Our offense executed well, and our defense made plays. We’re getting healthy and moving on to the next round.”
Tayton James completed 3 of 7 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown and finished with 75 yards and a rushing touchdown on three carries. Chris Davis finished the game with one reception for 48 yards and a touchdown, followed by Vincent Dixson with two catches for 22 yards and touchdown.
The Tigers will face the Columbia Wildcats in the second round of the playoffs this Friday at home. The game begins at 7 p.m., and the players are expecting an outpouring of support from their home fans. They have made a request for fans to pack the stadium and to be extra loud as they face a tough opponent.
