MELVERN — A punishing ground attack by host Marais Des Cygnes Valley proved to be too much for Marmaton Valley High’s boys Friday.
The Trojans blasted their way to 357 rushing yards — many coming on a devastatingly effective option play — en route to a 54-14 victory.
The loss drops Marmaton Valley’s record to 2-2. More importantly, three Wildcat starters were felled by injury, head coach Kent Houk said, a troublesome sight with district play set to begin next week.
“They did a good job with their option of blocking our linebackers,” Houk said. They were good.”
The Wildcats were unable to do much on offense — all 176 of their offensive yards came on the ground. Marmaton Valley missed on all 12 of its pass attempts, including two interceptions.
Special teams turned out to be the clear bright spot for the Wildcats.
Daylen Houk gave Marmaton Valley a brief 6-0 lead when he returned the game’s opening kickoff for a touchdown.
Then, after Marais Des Cygnes Valley scored the game’s next 30 points, Marmaton Valley’s Landon Hammond took a Trojan kickoff back 65 yards for another touchdown.
But that was it for Marmaton Valley, which was outgained 450 yards to 176 on the evening.
Cole Becker rushed 14 times for 121 yards in a losing cause, followed by Zach English’s seven carries for 36 yards.
Even in defeat, the Wildcat defense did manage seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss, including three sacks by Jared Kale and eight tackles in all. Hammond had nine tackles (seven solos), while Ryan Stephens had five solo tackles nd an assist. Hammond and Stephens each had a sack as well. Gage Stewart and Justin Holeman each recovered fumbles for Marmaton Valley.
The Wildcats begin district play next Friday at home against Yates Center.
Marmaton Valley 6-0-8-0—14
MDC Valley 16-6-24-8—54
MV — Houk 70 yd kickoff return (PAT failed)
MDCV — Goodrich 6 yd run (Jones pass from Jackson)
MDCV — Goodrich 49 yd run (Jackson run)
MDCV — Jackson 11 yd run (PAT failed)
MDCV — Goodrich 61 yd run (Jones pass from Jackson)
MV — Hammond 65 yd kickoff return (Becker run)
MDCV — Jones 35 yd pass from Jackson (Jackson run)
MDCV — Case 15 yd run (Jackson run)
MDCV — Butler 60 yd run (Jackson run)
Marmaton Valley takes it on the chin
