MEMPHIS, Mo. - Scotland County was within four points at halftime Friday night at Tiger Field. Two first-half interceptions by Brock McDonald had helped keep Marceline close, but Scotland County lost two fumbles in Marceline territory before the break and never regained the lead. Marceline scored twice in the third quarter and went on to win 35–12 in the Class 1 District 8 semifinal, ending Scotland County’s season at 5–4.
Scotland County recovered an onside kick to open the game and struck first on Cooper Small’s 22-yard field goal with 9:07 left in the second quarter. Dane Phillips answered with a touchdown run to put Marceline ahead 7–3. Scotland County had chances to take the lead back before halftime, but two fumbled exchanges ended possessions in Marceline territory. McDonald’s two interceptions, including a leaping grab along the sideline on a tipped pass, helped keep the deficit at four.
The game turned early in the third quarter when Scotland County came up short on a fake punt. Marceline took over with a short field, and Phillips ran for his second touchdown of the night to stretch the lead to 14–3. Jagger Sportsman added a short touchdown run before the end of the quarter to make it 21–3. Marceline used direct snaps and misdirection to get the ball to several runners, with Phillips finishing with 116 yards on 11 carries and Wes Bradley rushing for 126 yards on 17 carries.
Small brought Scotland County within 21–6 with a 32-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, but Sportsman answered with his second touchdown. Jaden Bergeson found Kwayde Hamilton for a 33-yard touchdown with 2:42 remaining to cut the margin to 28–12. Marceline intercepted the two-point try, and Bradley broke free for a 43-yard touchdown eight seconds later to close out the scoring.
Emit Long led Scotland County with 101 rushing yards on 21 carries, and McDonald added 62 yards on 13 carries to go with his two interceptions. Scotland County finished with a winning record and hosted a district semifinal. Marceline improved to 8–3 and will travel to Unionville next Friday to face Putnam County for the district championship after Putnam County defeated South Shelby 14–12.
Photo courtesy for this story provided by Kevin Brown
(This game recap is presented based upon the coverage of the Hometown Radio Sports Network. Any statistics given should be deemed as unofficial.)
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