Mount Vernon edges Watkins Memorial 28-27 with late defensive stand

The Mount Vernon football knows to be successful; it has to learn how to win the close games.

Friday night the Yellow Jackets took a huge step in the right direction. The Jackets rallied to take a lead, then stopped Watkins Memorial when it counted most to pick up a 28-27 Licking County League victory.

The Jackets (5-2 overall, 2-0 LCL) trailed 21-7 in the second quarter but scored late in the first half and twice in the third quarter to take the lead. The Warriors punched in a score with just over a minute left in the game, but MV stopped them on the two-point conversion to preserve the victory.

The victory was the fourth straight for MV, the first time they’ve done that since 2019.

Friday’s victory was led by the running of quarterback Mason Richards. The senior rushed for 193 yards on 24 carries, scoring once. He also completed 1 of 4 passes for 16 yards and a score.

Jake Hubbard added 49 yards rushing, while Landon Dawson caught the only pass, a 16-yard TD.

Defensively, Luke Mullins led the way with 13 tackles. Darrin Monahan added five tackles, while Cash Ewers had four tackles and two sacks. Cole Smith also had four tackles, while Dammon Wolfe had three tackles and an interception.

Fredericktown pulls out OT win over Loudonville

The Fredericktown Freddies and Loudonville Redbirds needed extra time to figure out a winner on Friday, with the Freddies escaping with a 26-20 overtime victory.

The Freddies led 14-0 in the second quarter before Loudonville rallied to take a 20-14 lead early in the fourth quarter. Fredericktown tied the game back up late in the quarter when quarterback Blake Sipes hit Jason Butler on a 27-yard TD strike. The two-point conversion failed and the teams heading to overtime.

In overtime, the Freddies got the ball first and scored when Sipes ran it in from 1 yard out. Fredericktown held on for the win when Cirk Parker intercepted a Redbird pass on their possession.

Sipes finished the night with 111 yards on 14 carries to lead the Freddies. He also completed 4 of 8 passes for 79 yards. Gavin Toombs caught one of those passes for a 29-yard TD.

Danville eruption sinks Pirates

Danville broke open a close game with 22 straight points and went on to beat Cardington-Lincoln, 36-12.

The Blue Devils led 8-6 after one quarter, but three straight touchdowns to open up a 30-6 lead.

Cyren Wallace led the Devils with 102 yards rushing on eight carries, including an 82-yard TD run. Parker Proper added 32 yards rushing and was 13 of 18 passing for 237 yards and three touchdowns. Briggs Wallace caught five of those passes for 103 yards, while Aidan Mickley had two receptions for 60 yards.

Defensively, Owen Gronberg led the Devils with 10 tackles and a sack. Jacob Byers and Christopher Mosher each had eight tackles.

Northmor rolls past East Knox

Northmor jumped out to a big lead early and cruised to a 47-13 victory over visiting East Knox.

The Knights led 14-0 before EK scored in the second quarter. They added 19 more in the second and then 14 in the third to pull away for the win.

Jax Lester led the Bulldogs (1-6, 1-3) by completing 15 of 21 passes for 150 yards and two scores. Dakota Cooper caught seven of those passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. Logan Clark caught three passes for 36 yards, while Cason Faucett had three catches for 11 yards and a TD. Landon Boyd added 48 yards rushing.

Defensively, Caden Ridenour led the Bulldogs with eight tackles and a sack. Lester added seven tackles and Rush Beatty had six.