DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY
montcews2@windstream.net
MOUNT IDA – The Mount Ida Lions emerged from their week nine match up with Mountain Pine with a 49-22 victory and the sole possession of the 7-2A Conference crown.
Both teams entered the game undefeated in conference play and the conference title on the line. The game looked as if it would turn into a shoot out with both teams scoring on their opening drives.
Mountain Pine only needed three plays with Dafavioun Haywood scoring on a 54 yard run. The PAT was good and the Red Devils held a seven point lead with less than a minute gone off the clock.
While Mountain Pine has been known for their big play ability all year, Mount Ida’s success has been founded on a methodical ground game manned by a host of running backs. The Lions turned to said strategy in their first possession, marching 69 yards in 11 plays, scoring on a four yard run by Jonathan Lagrange. Tyler Allenbrand’s PAT was good and the game was tied with 7:46 to go in the first period.
The Red Devils were forced to punt in their next drive and the Lions took possession on their own 43 yard line. Six plays later quarterback Cade Jackson took the ball in from one yard out with 4:02 left in the quarter. Allenbrand’s PAT was good and Mount Ida held a 14-0 lead.
The two teams would trade possessions as they moved into the second quarter. Mountain Pine would be the next to strike with a nine yard run by Haywood to end a 10 play 44 yard drive. The PAT was good and the game was tied up once again with four minutes left in the half.
Mount Ida responded quickly, needing only six plays to go 56 yards for the score. Lagrange got the call once again, this time from one yard out. The PAT was good and the Lions held a 21-14 lead with just over two minutes left in the half.
The Red Devils looked as if they might tie things up before the half thanks to a fake punt that carried them into Mount Ida territory. However, the Lion defense had the final say, with a successful stand that ended the half with a Mount Ida seven point lead.
The Lions opened the second half with a nine play drive that traversed 55 yards. Lagrange got the call once again with a five yard touchdown run. Allenbrand’s PAT was good and the Lion lead stood at 28-14 with 9:28 to go in the third quarter.
Lagrange would score once more on a three yard run with 3:49 to go in the third quarter to give the Lions a 20 point lead. Allenbrand connected on the PAT to up the lead to 35-14.
Mountain Pine would score once more on a one yard run by Collin Smith. Haywood took the two point conversion in to cut the Lion lead to 13 with a score of 35-22.
Mount Ida would score two more times to claim the 49-22 victory.
Bridger Farmer scored on a seven yard run with 6:27 to go in the fourth quarter and Dallas Weston scored on a one yard run with 2:39 to go in the game. Allenbrand connected on both PATs to give the Lions a 49-22 victory.
The Lion defense held Dafavioun Haywood to two points shy of his season average with 151 yards. They held the Red Devils as a team to 252 yards rushing.
Mount Ida six players carry the ball as they amassed 415 yards of offense.
Jonathan Lagrange and Bridger Farmer each topped the 100 yard mark with Lagrange carrying the ball 25 times for 154 yards and four TDs. Farmer ahd nine carries for 109 yards and a score.
Cade Jackson had 12 carries for 74 yards and one touchdown, Luke Forga had four carries for 36 yards, Dallas Weston had five carries for 17 yards and a score, Cade Helms ahd three carries for 21 yards and Ridge Gibbs had two carries for four yards.
Tyler Allenbrand was 7-7 on PATs.
Lagrange and Farmer topped the defensive charts as well with 13 total tackles each. Farmer had eight solo tackles with two for loss and Lagrange had seven solo tackles.
Champ Saylors ahd eight solo tackles with two sacks and an assist. Dallas Weston had nine total tackles. Gunner Gilbert had six solo tackles and two assists, while Drew Allen had eight total tackles, three solo tackles, with one for a loss.
Brody Davis had six solo tackles and an assist. Ethan Winkley had four solo tackles, two sacks and two assists, while Cade Helms had six total tackles.
Cade Jackson had five solo tackles, Ridge Gibbs had two, and tyler Hamilton and Luke Forga each had a tackle.
The win preserves Mount Ida’s unbeaten record at 9-0 as they prepare to travel to Lafayette County for the final game of the regular season. Kick off will be scheduled for 7 p.m.
