Rebels Rout Warriors, 49-7

McKENZIE (September 13) — The McKenzie High School Rebels began region play Friday as they hosted the McEwen Warriors for another rainy affair at Randy Thomas Field. McEwen mustered an early touchdown for a 7-7 tie, but the Rebels ran away for a 49-7 victory.

McKenzie won the toss and deferred possession. Warrior Kainan Gill received the opening kick behind the 5 yard line and fumbled it at the 28, recovered by Rebel Davarion Gilbert.

Rebel Colt Norden moved the chains with a 17-yard carry, then Timmy Arline ran for eight. Two plays later, Arline took it in for a three-yard touchdown. Skyler Fornera kicked the PAT, and McKenzie led 7-0 early in the first frame.

Warrior Truman Gill received another deep kick by Rebel Guillermo Hickman and returned it to the 22. Dalton Williams, Jesse Ross and quarterback Landon Davis kept it on the ground for a pair of first downs into Rebel territory. Davis threw to Adam Harrington for 22 and another first down, then Ross went 18 to make it first-and-goal at the 2. Davis punched it in, and T. Gill kicked to tie it at 7-7 halfway through the opening quarter.

Norden returned the ensuing kick to the Rebel 33. A couple of penalties backed McKenzie to the 22, but Arline went the whole 78 yards to give the Rebels the lead for good. Fornera kicked, and McKenzie led 14-7 with 5:45 to play in the first.

McEwen went three-and-out as Davis was sacked on second down by KD Cunningham and Landon Brown for a 13-yard loss. On fourth down from the 25, T. Gill’s punt was blocked by Gilbert, who dove on the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. Fornera’s PAT gave the Rebels a 21-7 lead with three minutes remaining in the first.

After a touchback by Hickman, Cunningham sacked Davis on first down, leading to another three-and-out and another punt, this time received by Rebel Jacobi Melton and returned to the Warrior 41.

Surber threw to Cole Brown for 24 yards, then kept twice for 12 yards and a five-yard touchdown. Fornera kicked for a 28-7 McKenzie lead with 15 seconds still to go in the first quarter.

McEwen managed a first down on their next possession but then turned the ball over to the Rebels at the Warrior 39 early in the second quarter.

Surber’s throw on first down was tipped and intercepted by McEwen’s Tylon Carter.

The Warriors again managed a first down but stalled and punted near midfield.

McKenzie took over at their own 25, and C. Brown took the first handoff 75 yards to paydirt. The point-after was good, and the Rebel lead was 35-7 halfway through the second frame.

McEwen seemed to be gaining momentum with a ground attack earning two first downs, but a fumble was recovered by Cunningham at the Warrior 38.

Surber threw to C. Brown 38 yards in the air for another quick score. The kick was true, and McKenzie led 42-7 two minutes before the break.

Hickman kicked another touchback, and a false start put the Warriors at their 15. They moved the chains once, but a 13-yard sack by L. Brown negated the gains and time ran out after one more play. At the half, the Rebels led 42-7.

McKenzie received the second-half kick with a running clock, Melton making a 25-yard return to the 39. Arline ran twice to move the chains, then C. Brown had a 51-yard touchdown run called back for a penalty. Two plays later Arline ran for a 40-yard touchdown. Fornera finished a perfect night of PATs, and the Rebel lead was 49-7 with eight minutes to play in the third.

The Warriors ran out the rest of the third and much of the fourth before punting.

The Rebels substituted heavily and went three-and-out. A punt by C. Brown pinned McEwen deep with six minutes to play.

The Warriors managed a pair of first downs, the second coming as time expired.

Rebel quarterback Tate Surber was 4-for-8 passing for 154 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He rushed twice for 17 yards and a touchdown.

Timmy Arline had six carries for 135 yards and three touchdowns.

Cole Brown had three catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns.

Landon Brown led the defense with four tackles, including three sacks.

McKenzie is at home again Friday, hosting Scotts Hill. Kickoff is 7 p.m.