By: Adam Freeman
The Tucker County Mt. Lions dropped their second straight road game, falling to longtime rival Southern Garrett in Oakland, Maryland.
Both teams started off strong defensively, with neither finding the end zone in the first quarter. The Rams broke the scoreless tie early in the second when a Southern defender intercepted a Sam Marks pass and returned it for a pick-six. After a failed two-point conversion, Southern held a 6-0 lead.
Tucker responded quickly, as Marks connected with Reid Kisamore for a 53-yard catch-and-run touchdown. The extra point attempt failed, leaving the game tied at 6-6.
Southern regained momentum just before halftime, punching in another touchdown and converting the two-point attempt to take a 14-6 lead into the break.
The third quarter saw a defensive standoff, with both teams held scoreless. In the fourth, Southern extended their lead on a 5-yard touchdown run, making it 20-6.
Tucker County answered late in the game, as Kisamore found the end zone again, this time on a 54-yard score. Despite the late push, time ran out on the Mt. Lions, and the Rams held on for the 20-14 victory.
Turnovers proved costly for Tucker, who lost three fumbles and threw one interception during the game. Statistically, the Mt. Lions outgained Southern 233 to 155 in total yardage, with the Rams failing to record a single passing yard.
Quarterback Sam Marks went 10-for-18 with 206 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Kisamore was the standout receiver, hauling in 4 passes for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns. Luke Barb led the rushing attack with 82 yards on the ground.
Tucker County heads into a much-needed bye week and will shift their focus off the field temporarily as they host their annual Elimination Dinner and Silent Auction fundraiser on Friday, October 24th at 6:00 p.m.
