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McKENZIE (August 27) — The McKenzie Middle School Rebels opened the football season Thursday with a thrilling, come-from-behind home win, 24-20, over the Milan Bulldogs.
The visitors struck first with a touchdown late in the first quarter, just before a thunderstorm delayed the game for 45 minutes. The Rebels refocused during the break, tying the game at 8-8 shortly after play resumed. Milan scored twice in the second quarter, but McKenzie made two vital stops on two-point conversions.
The Rebels scored as time expired in the half to pull within four, then took the lead in the third while holding the Bulldogs scoreless in the second half.
Milan received the opening kickoff and started at the Bulldog 40. McKenzie’s defense forced a quick three-and-out, and Milan’s punt was downed at the Rebel 31.
Rebel Colt Norden began the first McKenzie drive with a 20-yard carry, but the team failed to move the chains again and punted three plays later.
Taking over at the far 34, Bulldog Greg Hayes made a short gain. Markell Cunningham followed with a five-yard gain, then repeated for a 60-yard touchdown. Hayes added the two-point conversion, and Milan led 8-0 with 2:45 to play in the first frame.
Norden received the ensuing kickoff and made a solid return to near midfield. At that point, around 6:45 p.m. and 2:33 on the first-quarter clock, lightning in the area prompted officials to call for a 30-minute delay. Players adjourned to their locker rooms, and fans retreated to their cars.
The storm system passed, and play resumed at 7:30 p.m. A penalty against the Rebels made it first-and-20, but Norden got back 15 yards in one run. Then, quarterback Tate Surber threw to Landon Brown for a 48-yard touchdown. Surber then tossed to Cordell Orgain for two points, and the score was knotted at 8-8 with two minutes remaining in the first frame.
A short kick gave Milan good field position at the Rebel 44. Bulldog Dee Kelly made a short gain, then Cunningham ran for five. He lost a yard on the next try to end the opening quarter.
Starting the second frame on fourth down, Kelly ran for 14 yards and a first down. Cunningham then went 26 yards for a go-ahead touchdown. The Rebels stopped the two-point try, and Milan led 14-8 early in the second.
McKenzie went three-and-out on the next possession and punted.
The Bulldogs took over near midfield and earned one first down before fumbling the ball to McKenzie at the Rebel 36.