The Mendenhall Tigers closed out their regular season in dominant fashion Friday night, shutting out the Raymond Rangers 33-0 on the road.
The victory secured Mendenhall the No. 3 seed heading into the MHSAA Class 4A playoffs, where they will travel to face Newton County this Friday.
The Tigers controlled the game from the opening kickoff, scoring early and never letting Raymond find any offensive rhythm. Mendenhall’s defense was the story of the night, flying to the ball and forcing multiple three-and-outs while keeping the Rangers out of the red zone for nearly the entire contest.
On offense, the Tigers showcased a balanced attack. The running game set the tone behind a strong offensive line, allowing Mendenhall to sustain long drives and wear down the Raymond defense. The Tigers’ passing game also connected for several key plays, including a pair of touchdown strikes that helped put the game out of reach before halftime.
By the fourth quarter, Mendenhall’s backups had entered the game, giving several underclassmen valuable playing time as the Tigers cruised to their fourth shutout of the season.
With the win, Mendenhall finishes the regular season with momentum and confidence heading into postseason play. The Tigers will now turn their attention to Newton County, a tough opponent known for their physical running game and stout defense.
Kickoff for Friday night’s playoff matchup is set for 7 p.m. at Newton County High School. The winner will advance to the second round of the Class 4A playoffs.
