Mustang JV holds on for win against Medina Valley
MARBLE FALLS — Behind the strength of a punishing defense and a bruising running game, the Marble Falls High School junior varsity football team pulled out an exciting 14-13 victory against the Medina Valley on Sept. 1.
The game fittingly came down to a failed two-point conversion by Medina Valley with seconds left on the clock.
After a special-teams miscue gave the Panthers the ball at the Mustang 15 with 1 minute 6 seconds left and the Mustangs clinging to a 14-7 lead, the Panthers scored on a pass.
However, a penalty negated the play and moved the ball back to the 25.
Undaunted, the Panthers went back to the air and the result was 6 points, putting them within a successful two-point conversion of victory. Marble Falls sophomore lineman Chase Frey, however, ended their chances as he broke through the line and recorded a sack.
The first half of the contest was all defense as neither team could muster a sustained drive. The Mustangs managed just two first downs and 19 yards of total offense in the first two quarters. Medina Valley’s only drive stalled deep in Mustang territory as the defense held on downs at the Marble Falls 7 with 14 seconds left in the half.
After a quick three and out by the Mustang defense to start the second half, disaster struck the offense. Marble Falls fumbled at its own 35 and a Medina Valley defender scooped it up and ran it in for the game’s first score 7-0.
Neither team could move the ball the rest of the quarter, however. The Mustangs finally got on the board with 15 seconds left in the third quarter.
Sophomore receiver Aidin Parnell picked up a punt at his own 25 and followed a convoy of blockers 75 yards for the score. Sophomore Austin Bird provided the final block to ensure the touchdown. Sophomore Keith Jerome ran in the two-point conversion, and the Mustangs led 8-7.
Just when it looked as though the Panthers might get something going on offense, the Mustang defense once again rose to the occasion.
Sophomore John Watson picked off a pass, setting the Mustangs up on offense with great field position at the Marble Falls 47. The offense responded with a 12-play, 6-minute drive capped off by a Justin Torres 1-yard touchdown run. The extra point failed making the score 14-7.
The Mustang defense held on the Panthers’ next possession, forcing a fumble recovered by Tyler Lindholm and giving the Mustangs the ball back with 4:14 left and a chance to run out the clock.
This time it was the Panther defense that answered the call, forcing the Mustangs to punt after a three and out.
The Panthers blocked the Mustang punt, setting up their offense at their own 43.
Sophomore cornerback Lane Bingham stepped in front of a Panther receiver at the 50 and recorded the Mustangs’ second interception with 1:40 left to play.
Once again, the Panther defense held, forcing a punt. The snap from center sailed over the punter’s head and Medina Valley took over at the Mustang 15.
After a quick score and failed extra point, the Mustangs recovered the onside kick and were able to run out the clock.