Hard-Fought Road Win Seals McKenzie's Undefeated Season

CAMDEN (October 1) - The McKenzie Middle School Rebels wrapped up the football season Tuesday with a gritty road win against Camden Junior High. The 14-6 victory leaves the Rebels undefeated with an 8-0 record.

After the Lions struck first midway through the second quarter, the Rebels answered just before the half to lead 8-6. Good defense and clock management in the second half coupled with a fourth-quarter touchdown sealed it for McKenzie.

Camden won the coin toss, but deferred possession.

The Rebels started with good field position but went three-and-out as the Lions contained the running game. The punt was downed at the Camden 27.

The Lion offense also started the night with a three-and-out. A punt from inside the 20 was downed at the Camden 44.

McKenzie's ground attack was stifled again, but a 16-yard pass from Parker Ross to Cayden Gordon on fourth-and-four moved the chains just before the end of the opening frame. Dawson Reeder ran twice for another first down early in the second quarter. A pair of runs by Ross netted a five-yard loss, and he threw incomplete on third-and-long. He threw again on fourth down, but Reeder was covered up in the end zone. Camden was called for pass interference, but it was still fourth-and-seven at the 8. Ross completed to Reeder, who was downed at the 2, just shy of the first-down marker.

Taking over at the 2, the Lions quickly faced third-and-six, but Daren Jones shook several defenders and went 94 yards to the end zone. A pass was completed on the two-point attempt, but Ross made the stop short of the goal line, and Camden led 6-0 halfway through the second quarter.

The Rebels started at their 34 with runs by Ross and Reeder to move the chains. Then Ross made a short gain, but was grabbed by the face mask for bonus yards and an automatic first down. Ross repeated for a loss, then a short gain. On third-and-long, he threw to Gordon for 30 yards, then to Reeder for a 12-yard touchdown. Ross kept for the two-point conversion, and McKenzie led 8-6 with 26 seconds to play in the first half.

A short kick gave Camden the ball in McKenzie territory, and Jones made it first-and-goal with a 36-yard run. Ten seconds remained with nine yards to go, but a false start made it 14 yards. Despite managing to run three plays in that short window, the Lions were stopped short as time expired.

Camden received the ball to start the second half and earned a quick first down, but the drive stalled and the Lions lined up to punt on fourth-and-seven. Jones instead tucked the ball and ran for a nine-yard gain. Three plays later it was fourth down again, and Reeder made a big stop in the backfield for the turnover on downs.

McKenzie took over at their 20 and quickly faced third-and-nine. Ross threw across the backfield to Seth Stafford, who threw down the field to Jaden Blanton for 33 yards. Reeder ran for 20, then was stopped for no gain as the third quarter ended. Ross started the final frame with a five-yard keeper, then threw a short pass to Gordon.  A delayed run on fourth-and-three netted Ross five yards and made it first-and-goal. He repeated for two yards, then Reeder went the final eight for the score. Ross was stopped short on the two-point try, and the Rebels led 14-6 with five minutes to play.

Camden's last-chance drive started at their 45. They earned a pair of first downs to get to the Rebel 26, but time was running short. A holding penalty with under two minutes to play backed the Lions up, and four consecutive incomplete passes turned the ball over to McKenzie.

Ross took a knee twice, and the Rebel win and undefeated season were complete.