Big Red defense smothers Lynn

By Scott Johnson
General Manager

GUIN - The Marion County High School (MCHS) Red Raiders improved to 3-0 on the season on Friday, Sept. 3, in yet another display of defensive power.
The Red Raiders improve their record against the Bears in the series that dates back to 1934 to 18-13. The win also marks the Guin team’s first Class 1A, Region 6 win for the season.
“It was a huge win for us,” said MCHS Red Raider Head Football Coach Kyle Williams. “Our boys fought hard all game. Our defense played well and gave us the spark we needed with some key turnovers.
“It’s always great to score a defensive touchdown, but two defensive TDs makes can truly change a game.”
Marion County kicked off to Lynn to start the football game. Confusion on the Bears’ kick return team led to the ball being recovered by Marion County at the Bears’ 34-yard line. The drive was short-lived though as the Red Raiders opted to punt on fourth down.
The Bears received the ball initiated a 94-yard drive to light up the scoreboard first with 4:18 left in the frame. A good PAT brought the score to 7-0. It would be the only trip to the end zone for Lynn.
The rest of the quarter consisted of two punts by MCHS and one by Lynn before the next score.
The Red Raiders found themselves on the Lynn 48-yard line late in the quarter.  Gavin Cole rushed two yards and Brodie Silas added nine more for a first down. After an offsides call against Lynn and a false start, Dee Lipsey’s name was called and he carried the ball 37 yards for his team’s first touchdown with 0:13 left in the first quarter. The extra-point kick was good by Jose Luis, evening the score to 7-7.
Lynn had the ball heading into the second quarter and worked the ball upfield with their running game. The Bears chose to pass the ball on fourth and seven on Marion County’s 17 and quickly regretted it. Tye Madison picked off the pass and returned the ball 93 yards for a defensive touchdown. A failed PAT put the score at 13-7.
The Bears began another second quarter drive and worked their way to the Marion County 24-yard line. The Bears attempted a pass on third down and 13 and this time it was MCHS Landon Morrow’s turn for an interception. Morrow took the ball out of the air six yards from the Marion County end zone and returned the ball 55 yards. A block in the back on the play put the Red Raiders at their own 40-yard line, and Silas was handed the ball and the following play and rushed 60 yards for a touchdown with 4:27 left in the first half. Madison’s number was called on the extra point attempt and he carried the football three yards for a two-point conversion, bringing the score to 21-7.
After a quick four-and-out by the Bears, Marion County lost possession to close out the first half. A deep pass from Silas intended for Morrow was picked off by the Bears at the 16-yard line. The Bears spiked the ball to end the half a few plays later.
Opening the second half, Preston Conniff returned the kickoff 35 yards to give the Red Raiders good field position at the Lynn 35. The drive was plagued by penalties, and a 40-yard touchdown run by Lipsey was called back due to holding. After a bad snap and bad pitch, Marion County opted to punt. Lynn received the punt and began the first drive of the half at their own 37. The drive was short-lived. Silas picked off the first pass and ran it back 42 yards for a pick-six at 8:49. Madison took the ball on the extra point attempt and rushed the end zone for another successful two-point conversion, marking up the score to 29-7. It was the final score of the game, as neither team scored in the fourth.
MCHS goes on the road this week to meet the Pickens County Tornadoes (2-0) in Reform.
Pickens County was open on Week 1. They played Linden at home in Week 2, winning 26-16, and on the road against Hubbertville Lions last week, where they earned their second win, 20-7.