‘Horns fall to Bessemer Academy in season opener
It was a game of turnovers at the Linden Athletic Field as Marengo Academy (0-1) fell to Bessemer Academy (1-0) 28-6 in their season opener.
“First game, we didn’t do a jamboree, there’s a lot of things we’ve got to clean up,” said Marengo’s new head football coach David Barham.
The Longhorns went three and out on their first possession of the night. In the ensuing drive, the Rebels fumbled and Marengo Academy came up with the recovery on the Rebel 27 yard line. After a failed fourth down conversion, the Rebels reclaimed possession and Tanner Stinnett was able to connect with Ryan Stoves for a 38-yard touchdown reception. The PAT put the Rebels up 7-0 with 3:21 remaining in the first quarter.
The first half was full of turnovers from both sides of the ball. Bessemer led the night with five fumbles and one interception, compared to Marengo’s three fumbles (one a high snap that resulted in a safety) and one interception.
Bessemer started the second half strong as Brodie Medders returned the opening kickoff 79 yards for a touchdown, putting the visitors up 21-0.
Marengo’s only points of the night would come with 9:36 remaining to play as Robert Tutt was able to find Cason Cook towering over the Rebel defenders for a 26-yard touchdown reception.
“We didn’t block well, we didn’t tackle well, we’ve just got to get better,” said Barham.
Bessemer had 13 penalties on the night totaling 138 yards, compared to Marengo’s six for 30 yards.
“I was proud of them for not laying down. A lot of kids began to step up and started making blocks, running harder, so you take that positive with you and you go build on it,” said Barham, referring to his team’s fourth quarter scoring drive.
Tutt went seven of 22 on the night for 62 yards. Huckabee led the Longhorns’ rushing attack with 25 carries for 106 yards. Marengo ended the night with 207 yards of total offense.
Thomas Etheridge led Marengo’s defensive effort with eight tackles, three assists, and one forced fumble. Andrew Martin had a fumble recovery and an interception while Weldon Aydelott forced one fumble and a sack.
The Longhorns travel to Grove Hill next Friday to take on the Clarke Prep Gators. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.