Marlin ISD

The bulldogs "barked" loud in the fourth quarter and handed the Black Cats of Mexia their first lost of the season with a 41-13 victory at Mexia.

The first half saw both clubs struggle as Marlin lost two fumbles and had two interceptions while the Blackcats lost three fumbles and had one interception. All this added up to a 0-0 score at the half.

The second half was an entirely different ball game. The locker room "pep" talk must have awaken the dogs as they came out barking!

The bulldogs began the third quarter on their own 26 yard line. On a second and ten, running back, Derrick Berry swung around the left side, broke clear and scored on a 74-yard touchdown run! The point after by Brandon Lofton was blocked but the bulldogs had broken the scoreless game and were up 6-0. This is where the scoring would stay as fine defensive play by Jimmy Quinn, Courtney Armstead, Willie Smith, John Humphreys, Desmond Watson, Adrian Green, Danny Sadler, Lofton and "The Reverend," Ellis Jackson held the Blackcats scoreless through three quarters.

As the final period started, the bulldogs were on the move with quarterback Jeremy Modkins and running back DeMarcus "Mo" Smith leading the charge. An eight play drive capped off by a 33-yard run by "Mo" to pay dirt put the dogs up 12 zip. The two point conversion to D. Berry was good to make it 14-0.

The Blackcats would answer. Freddie Hall took the ensuing kickoff 70 yards for an "apparent" touchdown. A clipping penalty at midfield nullified the run but it only took two pass plays - QB Luke Beachum hit B. Shamblin for 20 yards and then found J. Kimbrough for a 30 yard touchdown pass. The extra point was blocked and the bulldog lead was cut to 14-6.

Then it was "MO TIME!!"

Mo Smith took the kickoff at his own goal line and darting in and around Blackcats and following his blockers the chase was on. Nobody would catch "Mo" as he raced 100 yards to the Mexia end zone - stunning the Mexia crowd while keeping the Marlin crowd on their feet and cheering! A failed extra point left the score 20-6.

Back came the Blackcats, as Beachum found Kimbrough once more for a 76 yard touchdown pass. The extra point was good to make it 20-13 bulldogs.

One "MO" time! Yes-sir-ee - Mo took the kick off once more from the goal line and 100 yards later - TOUCHDOWN! Back-to-back kickoff returns of 100 yards each - Oh what a player! (360 all purpose yards and three touchdowns on the night)

A two point conversion pass from Modkins to Watson was good to make it 28-13.

Then it was time for the defense to get in the scoring. Carlos Bailey picked off a Bearcat pass and ran it back 35 yards to put the dogs up 34-13 with just under six minutes to play.

The bulldogs would score one more time as Roderick Scruggs bulled over from the three. Lofton added the extra point and the final score was Marlin 41 Mexia 13.

Look for a much closer game this Friday night as the state ranked Alvarado Indians come to Legion field in what should be a great ball game! See ya at the game.

Marlin ISD
Created August 26, 1997 -- last revision October 1999
Please mail comments or suggestions to tsimpson@marlinisd.org

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