The Mendenhall Tigers ground out a much need win against the Morton Panthers last Friday.
The Tigers jumped out to a big lead and made plays down the stretch to win the game 32-29. They played true complimentary football in the first half with the offense moving the ball efficiently and the defense forcing turnovers and limiting their opponents.
This was one of the better offensive performances the Tigers have had this season. Quarterback Ty Davis was locked in from the start and looked sharp. He made sound reads and was able to get the ball to his playmakers.
The Tigers took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter after a balanced drive was capped with a rushing touchdown from Eddie Weathersby. Jakobe Davison ran the ball with purpose and fought hard for extra yards on every carry, adding to the success of the Tiger offense.
On defense the Tigers remained disciplined and presented a strong front. Joshua Davis, Kendell Walker, Jadarius McGill, Kavonte Craft, and others did an excellent job at the line of scrimmage, helping to contain Morton’s quarterback in the first half. Princeton Miller played well from the linebacker position and made several key plays in the victory. Miller set up the Tigers’ second touchdown after recovering a fumble and returning it 70 yards. It would have been a defensive touchdown, but a block in the back penalty saw the Tigers set up on their opponents’ 30-yard line.
Ty Davis made quick work of the next possession, completing a touchdown pass to Henry Funches, the first of three touchdowns for Funches in the game. The defense went on to force another turnover on an interception by Jaiwon Williams, leading to another Tiger TD. The team led 20-0 at halftime.
Funches and Davis connected for another touchdown in the third quarter to take a 26-7 lead into the fourth quarter.
Much credit was given to Morton as they never folded throughout the game. The Panthers continued to battle and started having success with short and intermediate passes which led to touchdowns. The Panthers pulled within 3 points in the fourth quarter, but a 36-yard touchdown run from Funches put the Tigers ahead by 10. The Tiger defense came up with timely stops and held on in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
Head Coach Chuckie Allen said, “This was a much-needed win for our team. It gets us back to .500 in district. I’m proud of how our guys played and overcame adversity. Our offense looked well tonight and we were able to move the ball. We’re going to keep working and making progress.”
Henry Funches was a big part of the offense’s success with three touchdowns on the game.
Funchess said, “I knew before the game that this was going to be my game. I was telling everyone and when I got out there, I did what I was supposed to do and executed. I’m proud of myself.”
Funches said this was the best game for the Tiger offense and that he can see the progress being made as a team.
Mendenhall will face more Panthers, the Quitman Panthers, this Friday on the road in a tough district matchup.
