Impenetrable Panthers ground Flying Squadron for playoff win

11-9-17 — Dixon Mills, Ala. — Marengo High QB Quandaris Ausbon (2) accounted for a total of four touchdowns on the night while rushing 154 yards and completing 5 of 7 pass attempts for 89 yards. (WAW | Stewart Gwin)

Marengo High School entered its first round Class 1A playoff matchup looking to do more than just win the game. The Panthers made an emphatic statement with a 50-0 shutout of Highland Home while completely dismantling a Flying Squadron offense that had accounted for 433 points through 10 games. Marengo piled up 412 yards while holding Highland Home to 67 yards and only three first downs.

“We wanted to make a statement,” Marengo coach Eberne Myrthil said. “We heard a lot about their offense and their ability to put up points. We challenged our defense to make this a statement game. I was very proud of our team in every facet of the game. We played a complete game.”

Ronald Bouler paced the defensive effort with eight tackles including three for loss and two sacks. Johnny Kennedy added eight tackles with two for loss and one sack. De’Angelos Crispin and Curtis Autery notched seven tackles apiece. KeShawn Fountain intercepted a pass for the Panther defense.

The offense saw its biggest contributions come from quarterback Quandaris Ausbon. The senior standout rushed nine times for 154 yards and two touchdowns while also completing 5 of 7 passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Calvin Ferguson rushed eight times for 70 yards. Alphonzo Lewis had 12 carries for 64 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Roosevelt Thompson had seven rushes for 42 yards.

Autery hauled in two passes for 30 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Crispin caught one pass for 38 yards.

Marengo (8-3) will face the winner of Georgiana and Winterboro next Friday night.