Marble Falls’ offense explodes in 69-25 victory against Smithville
Marble Falls linebacker Daven Manning takes down a Smithville player in the Mustangs' 69-25 win Sept. 6. Photo by Virgil Belk/Hill Country Sports Images
JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE SPORTS
MARBLE FALLS — About the only thing that slowed the Marble Falls High School football team in its 69-25 victory against Smithville on Sept. 6 was the scoreboard.
It went out about three times but came right back on.The Mustangs (1-1) showed resiliency and depth while exploding for 41 points in the second quarter.
Sophomore quarterback Brennen Wooten completed 20 of 26 passes for 306 yards, threw four touchdowns passes and ran for another from four yards out.
“That’s what we wanted was to run and spread the ball,” Wooten said. “I just got to give the credit to the offensive line and the receivers. They’re really doing a great job.”
Senior running back Keith Jerome had 19 carries for 176 yards and ran for four touchdowns and caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from Wooten.
“I was pretty motivated because of the loss (to La Grange on Aug. 30),” Jerome said. “I felt like we had something to prove. We’re not to be underestimated.”
Both Jerome and Wooten said the Mustangs were in rhythm right from the beginning.
“We had a game plan to come out and put points on the board,” Jerome said.
The Mustangs had such a big lead that junior quarterback Jacob Smith took over early in the fourth quarter. He found senior receiver J.T. Watson for a seven-yard touchdown.
Senior receiver Garrett Gray caught touchdown passes of 49 and 20 yards, while senior receiver Zuri Buchanan hauled in a 19-yard catch for a score.
Head coach Todd Dodge said the Mustangs performed well defensively, offensively and on special teams. And it was textbook, too, he said, because the defense kept the Tigers (0-2) from getting more than three offensive plays on each drive. The Mustangs special teams made sure the offense started drives near midfield, and Marble Falls scored just about every time it touched the ball. In fact, six Marble Falls possessions in the second quarter resulted in touchdowns.
Smithville quarterback Khalil McCathern scored on touchdown runs of four and 68 yards and threw scoring passes to receiver Cearan Adkins from 73 yards out and to tight end Lane Sanders from 14 yards out.
Marble Falls forced seven punts and recovered a fumble.
“I thought this was a game we should have won,” Dodge said. “I’m really proud of our players for going out there and taking care of business.”
Marble Falls travels to Burnet for a 7:30 p.m. contest Sept. 13 at Bulldog Field, 1000 The Green Mile.
jfierro@thepicayune.com