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Rebels Fall to Scotts Hill

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McKenzie traveled to Scotts Hill last Friday, September 7 to start the remainder of their season after a week off. The Rebels got the ball first on the kickoff and began the game at their own 15 and ran the ball right at the Lions mixing up runs between Tyler Spivey and Bryston Diggs. They chewed up much of the first quarter clock on that drive but unfortunately came up empty-handed after losing a fumble at the Lion 38.
On first down, Scotts Hill’s Ty Martin burst up the middle nearly untouched for a 57-yard touchdown with 5:14 left in the quarter. The extra point was good for a 7-0 Lion lead.
McKenzie was able to move the ball some on their next possession but stalled out and punted downing the ball at the 1-yard line. Scotts Hill began a long drive that carried over into the second quarter and was capped off by a 55-yard touchdown run around the right side by Scotts Hill’s Martin with 8:24 left in the half. Extra point was good leaving the Rebels in a 14-0 hole.
McKenzie went three and out giving the ball right back to the Lions and they answered with a short drive capped by a 53-yard touchdown by Ty Martin. The extra point was again good by the Lions for a 21-0 lead with 3:50 left in the half.
A more determined Rebel team came out after half and forced the Lions to three and outs on three straight possesions in the third quarter while beginning to gain ground offensively. Neither team scored in the third quarter.

McKenzie opened the fourth quarter with possession at midfield and scored seven plays later on a 3-yard run by Bryston Diggs with 9:43 left in the game. The extra point was good by Diego Calderon for a 21-7 score. McKenzie’s defense stopped Scotts Hill on a fourth down and four play getting the ball back at their own 34 yard line.
The Rebels went back to work moving down field with a short passing game. A pass interference call against Scotts Hill gave McKenzie at the Lion 5. Eli Surber found Logan Lyles open for a touchdown with 4:25 left in the game. The extra point narrowly missed to the right leaving the Rebels down 21-13.
McKenzie attempted an onside kick that was recovered by the Lions at the 45. After giving up a 20 yard run, the defense stopped Scotts Hill on fourth down again getting the ball back with 2:03 left in the game.
Surber dropped back to pass on first down and threw a ball under pressure that was intercepted by the Lions. They ran the clock out dropping the Rebels to 0-3 on the season.
Coach Comer was pleased with their effort. “They hung in there and fought especially in the second half. We are growing up as we go.”
McKenzie travels to TCA this Friday for a region matchup with another set of Lions.