Middle School Rebels fall to the Tigers, 34-7

McKenzie (August 27) — The McKenzie Middle School Rebels hosted Henderson North on Thursday night. The visiting Tigers maintained their lead throughout, winning 34-7.

The Rebels won the toss and elected to receive the opening kick, beginning their first drive on their own 42-yard line. After a solid start by Navadius Owens, who gained ten yards on two carries to secure a first down, the Rebels threw an interception, giving the ball to the Tigers at the 2-yard line. Despite a strong effort by the Rebels to stop the run twice, the Tigers punched in a five-yard touchdown. A successful two-point conversion put Henderson North ahead 8-0.

The Rebels started their second drive on the 31-yard line. Following gains by Owens and Kendon Coleman, Coleman completed an eight-yard pass to Owens for a first down. However, the Tiger defense tightened, forcing a punt, and took over on the 18-yard line. The Tigers capitalized quickly, scoring on an 82-yard outside run. The failed two-point conversion left the score at 14-0.

Henderson North kicks it off to the rebels and starts their drive on the 50 yard line.The Rebels turnover on downs followed by Henderson North taking it down to the three yard line. They ran to the outside for the three yard touchdown with the two-point conversion making it Henderson North 22, McKenzie 0.

McKenzie responded on their next possession starting from the 50-yard line. Coleman connected with Owens for a 36-yard touchdown. The extra point was successful, cutting the deficit to 22-7. Unfortunately, the momentum was short-lived, as the Tigers returned the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown, bringing the halftime score to 28-7.

In the third quarter, the Tigers marched to the 4-yard line and scored on an outside run to extend their lead to 34-7. The remainder of the game saw both sides trade defensive stops, including a late interception by a Rebel defender. Ultimately, the Tigers leaned on their run game to control the clock and seal the victory.