The Mendenhall Tigers’ 2025 season came to an abrupt end Friday night as the Tigers fell 35-19 to Newton County in the first round of the MHSAA 4A playoffs.
The Cougars’ decisive third-quarter surge proved the difference in a game that had promising moments for Mendenhall, but ultimately slipped away.
Mendenhall struck first. Early in the first quarter, junior running back Jay Page powered in from six yards out to give the Tigers a 6-0 lead, and the extra point by Anson Fewell was good to make it 7-0. The Tigers held that edge until Newton County answered before the end of the quarter, knotting things at 7-7 going to the second.
In the second quarter the Tigers reclaimed the lead. Sophomore quarterback Ty Davis connected with wide receiver Jaiwon Williams on a 33-yard touchdown pass with around 9 minutes remaining in the half, and after a missed PAT the Tigers held a 13-7 lead at halftime. Other highlights also note a blocked punt by Kane Butler inside the Newton County 17 yard-line that helped set the stage.
However, in the third quarter Newton County flipped the game. The Cougars erupted with three touchdowns, piling up 20 points and turning a 13-7 halftime deficit into a 27-13 lead. While Mendenhall did strike back once—Eddie Weathersby broke free on a 55-yard touchdown run in the 3rd—the Tigers had lost momentum. That score cut the margin to 27-19, but it was too little, too late. The final quarter saw no comeback. The Tiger offense faltered with the clock and the lead slipping away, while Newton County controlled the ground game and kept the clock moving.
Defensively, Mendenhall simply couldn’t find an answer to Newton County’s rushing attack or the Cougars’ ability to manage possession in the second half. Offensively, while the Tigers showed flashes of big-play ability, they lacked consistency when it mattered most. The final margin—35-19—was harsh, but the Tigers did show heart and effort to battle until the end.
The Tigers will end their season with a 5-5 record. While the final result falls short, Mendenhall showed flashes of promise and big-play ability. For the Tigers now, the focus shifts forward — to offseason work, development and the hope of returning next year with more depth and consistency.
A special thanks to Jack and Maggie Jinkins for pictures this season.
