Marion Harding’s football team continued its storied rivalry with Mount Vernon in dramatic fashion during Week 1 action. The Presidents secured a narrow 21-17 victory when Marcus McGary scored the game-winning touchdown with less than three minutes remaining on August 21. The matchup lived up to expectations, as these two programs have produced close contests throughout their history, with seven of the last nine meetings decided by a touchdown or less.
Harding dominated statistically, accumulating 352 yards of offense compared to Mount Vernon’s 144 yards while also winning the first-down battle 14-7. Despite the lopsided yardage advantage, the teams combined for five turnovers that kept the contest competitive. Mattic Simmers and Dez Feliciano each scored rushing touchdowns for the Presidents, while McGary led the ground attack with 97 yards on 14 carries.
Several other Marion-area programs opened their seasons successfully during Week 1. Highland defeated Fredericktown 28-7 with a balanced offensive attack, while Elgin dominated Arlington 29-8 on the road. Bloom-Carroll edged River Valley 21-9, and Wynford overcame Cardington-Lincoln 34-20 after leading 14-6 at halftime. In other notable contests, Triad defeated Ridgedale 40-6, and Upper Sandusky notched a historic 30-21 victory over Northmor.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
About the Author
