Despite being outgained in total offense, 370-281, the MUS varsity football team made the most of their yards as they took advantage of three turnovers to put away an athletic Overton squad, 41-21, last Friday night at home.
Looking to overcome the drubbing they endured last week to South Panola (MS), the Owls (3-1) jumped out to a 17-0 halftime lead and continued to increase that advantage throughout much of the evening.
Freshman kicker Gary Wunderlich attempted his first field goal of the season on the Owls’ first drive as MUS failed to convert a 3rd-and-5 at the Overton 7-yard line. Wunderlich’s 27-yard kick was true and gave the hosts the early 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
MUS added two second-quarter touchdowns to build their lead. First, QB Toby Baker connected with William Cross for a 14-yard scoring toss to complete a 6-play, 39-yard drive that amassed 2:09. Then, with under a minute to go before the half, Forrest Baty culminated an 8-play, 43-yard drive with an impressive 8-yard run. Wunderlich’s extra-points increased the lead to 17 at the break.
Fernando Van Hook added his own scoring run on the first possession of the second half as he went in from 19-yards out to give MUS the 24-0 lead. The possession lasted only four plays as the offensive line began to control the line of scrimmage and open up big holes for the Owl backs.
However, Overton (1-2) did not quit as they scored on the succeeding possession. On the 16th play of the drive, Isaiah Farris hauled in a 13-yard pass from Adrian Fox for the score. Andres Juarez’s PAT cut the advantage to 24-7 with 4:14 remaining in the third quarter.
But the Owls quickly quelled the Wolverine optimism as on the ensuing kickoff, Baty broke several tackles, got some good blocks, and raced 79 yards for the touchdown. And just 1:43 later, following an Overton fumble, Wunderlich added his second field goal as he connected from 33-yards out to give the hosts a 34-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Overton again showed they could move the ball in the last quarter as they put together two long drives. First, Farris scored from 3-yards out to complete a 9-play, 70-yard drive to close the gap to 34-14.
However, the Owls again answered as Van Hook scored his second touchdown of the game, this time from 13-yards out, to culminate the 71-yard, 4-play possession with 9:22 left in the game.
But the Wolverines ended the scoring with a final long drive as Fox scored from 1-yard out to complete a 17-play, 83-yard drive, yet the deficit was too large to overcome for the visitors on this night.
Statistically, Overton held advantages in first downs (22-16), passing yards (214-66), total yards, and time of possession (33:52-14:08), yet the Owls were +3 in turnover margin and controlled the game on the ground as they moved past last-week’s loss.
Next week, MUS’ second Mississippi opponent will visit Hull-Dobbs as Olive Branch comes north. The Conquistadors, 46-14 losers last week to Brentwood Academy, will look to avenge last-year’s 20-15 loss to the Owls. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
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