It was a night full of emotion, school pride, and gritty football on Homecoming Friday — but despite a late rally, the Mendenhall Tigers came up just short, falling to the Morton Panthers by a final of 14–7.
Morton, riding a balanced attack and a clutch passing game, managed to get on the board early and held off a determined Mendenhall comeback in the second half. With the loss, the Tigers slip to 3–4 on the season.
The game opened with Morton kicking off to Mendenhall, and both defenses stymied offensive efforts during the first quarter. Finally, Morton found success late in the quarter: QB Dolph McDonald connected with Xavier McDonald on a 21-yard touchdown pass. After the PAT, the Panthers took a 7–0 lead into the second quarter.
Mendenhall looked for momentum in the second quarter but was unable to generate any points before the half, and Morton carried their 7–0 lead into intermission.
The Tigers came alive in the third. Midway through the quarter, Mendenhall’s Parker Woodard (#29) intercepted a Morton pass, giving the Tigers a spark.
Then, under two minutes left in the quarter, preparation and opportunity collided: Eddie Weathersby (#11) returned an interception 31 yards for a pick-six, tying the game 7–7 after Anson Fewell (#19) knocked home the extra point.
That score held through the end of the third quarter, and the stage was set for a dramatic finish.
Neither team could break through for much of the fourth, but with time waning, Morton again turned to the air. In a critical final drive, Jaylin Stowers (#3) found Avonte Reese (#5) for an 11-yard touchdown pass. The Panthers converted the PAT, pushing their lead to 14–7.
Mendenhall would not be denied a fight, but no further points would fall. The clock expired with Morton clinging to a one-score victory.
Mendenhall’s defense deserves praise. The pick-six by Weathersby and the interception by Woodard show the Tigers’ fight and opportunism even when their offense struggled. The Tigers are still fighting their way through some early season injuries that have hindered their offense from reaching their full potential at this point in the season.
For the season, the Tigers now face an uphill climb: their conference record and overall morale will be tested in the weeks ahead after losing three games in a row. Mendenhall returns home this week to host Richland at 7 p.m. in what will be a must-win to stay in playoff contention.
Though the scoreboard did not favor the Tigers last week, the effort — especially on defense — suggests they are not far from turning the tide. On Homecoming night, Mendenhall showed heart. This week, they will look to show results.
Photos provided by the Simpson County School District.
