DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY|dewayne@mcnews.online
MOUNT IDA – The Mount Ida Junior Lions jumped out to a 26-6 halftime lead, but had to hold off a second half rally by the Hornets to defeat Mineral Springs 32-20.
Mount Ida forced a punt on the opening drive by Mineral Springs. Dakota Beechy returned the punt to the Hornet 35 yard line. Two plays later Ben Woodfield ran the ball in for a 35 yard touchdown.
Mineral Springs responded with a five yard touchdown run by Rahmaij Ware to tie the game at 6-6.
Mount Ida recovered the ensuing onside kick on their own 48 yard line to set up a five play drive that ended with a 24 yard touchdown run by Woodfield. Beau Weston ran the two point conversion in to give the Junior Lions a 14-6 lead.
The Hornets struggled with the deep snap, fumbling two in a row with Woodfield recovering the second on the Mineral Springs 40 yard line. The Lions marched the ball to the Hornet 14 before fumbling the ball back to the Hornets. Mineral Springs would give the ball back to the Lions on the next play.
Woodfield’s number was called on back to back runs, scoring on a three yard run. The two point conversion failed.
Mount Ida would recover another onside kick, setting up a nine play 48 yard drive that culminated in a one yard touchdown run by Woodfield. The Junior Lions ended the half with a 26-6 lead.
Mount Ida started the second half with the ball on their own 45 yard line. Woodfield took the first snap and raced 55 yards for a touchdown. The two point conversion failed and Mount Ida held a comfortable 32-6 lead with 7:27 left in the third quarter.
Things would get uncomfortable for the Junior Lions thanks to 14 unanswered points by the Junior Hornets. Mineral Springs would score on a five yard run by Ware with 3:03 left in the third quarter. The two point conversion was good and the Lions lead was cut to 18.
Evan Erwin connected with D’Kendrick Piggee for a 70 yard touchdown reception with 3:42 left in the game to cut the lead to 12. Mount Ida was able to hold on for the 12 point victory.
Ben Woodfield had a breakout game with 27 carries for 222 yards and all five Mount Ida touchdowns.
Beau Weston had three carries for seven yards, and Dalton Young had four carries for 12 yards. Dakota Beechy had four carries for five yards and three catches for 50 yards.
Cain McCullough was 4-6 for 53 yards and an interception. Dean Johnson had a three yard reception.
Rahmaij Ware led the Junior Hornets with 13 carries for 149 yards and two touchdowns.
