Longhorns fall to Rebels in final regular season game

10-20-17 — Linden, Ala. — Marengo Academy’s William Drake (6) cuts up field against South Choctaw Academy.

Linden – Marengo Academy hosted the South Choctaw Rebels in the Longhorns’ final regular season game of the 2017 season. After an early turnover and multiple fourth down conversions led to a Longhorn lead in the first quarter, the Rebels took the lead in the second quarter and held off the Longhorns for a 28-6 win.

The Rebels received the opening kickoff and attempted to strike quickly with a pass play on the first play of the game. The ball was overthrown and Longhorn Casey Cramer cut behind the Rebel receiver and picked off the pass with 11:40 to go in the first quarter. A methodical running attack that resulted in a couple fourth down conversions was capped when Hunter Parker dove into the end zone at the end of a 10-yard run. The PAT failed and the Longhorns took a 6-0 lead over the Rebels with 4:27 to go in the first quarter. The Rebels and Longhorns would trade fumbles in the remaining time of the quarter which would end with the Longhorns clinging to the 6-0 lead.

10-20-17 — Linden, Ala. — Marengo Academy’s turns the corner against South Choctaw Academy.

The Rebels would get on the board on a 4-yard run with 9:46 to go in the second quarter. The PAT was successful and the Longhorns relinquished their lead as the Rebels went up 7-6.

The Longhorns would take their next possession as far as the Rebels’ nine-yard line before turning the ball over on downs. On the ensuing drive, the Rebels would attempt a deep pass that was defended well and tipped by Taylor Woodall. Cramer would haul in the tipped ball for his second interception of the night. The Rebels would end the Longhorns possession with an interception of their own with :36 to go in the second quarter. The Longhorns were able to force and recover a fumble with :13 to go in the second quarter. The first half would end with the Rebels on top 7-6.

10-20-17 — Linden, Ala. — Marengo Academy’s Casey Cramer (22) returns his second interception against South Choctaw Academy as Taylor Woodall (5) watches and Dalton Daniels (44) turns to block. Woodall tipped the pass that Cramer intercepted.

The Longhorns would receive the second half kickoff and the Rebels held an forced a punt. Former Longhorn Jacob Beck took the 72 yards to the end zone and, with a successful PAT, the Rebels stretched their lead to 14-6 with 8:33 to go in the third quarter. The Rebels would pick off another pass on the Longhorns’ ensuing possession. Beck would find the end zone again on a 4-yard run with 5:03 to go in the third quarter and the PAT would put the Rebels up 21-6.

The final scores of the night would come on an 8-yard Rebel touchdown run and PAT with 1:24 to go in the the third quarter. The Longhorns and Rebels would trade possessions in the fourth quarter until the clock ran out, giving the South Choctaw Academy Rebels a 28-6 win over the Marengo Academy Longhorns.

Offensively, the Longhorns were led by William Drake’s 64 yards on 19 carries. Parker added 58 yards on 17 carries, with one touchdown. Alex Owens added two carries for five yards. Gavin Thompson was 4-for-10 passing for 20 yards.

Cramer led the defensive effort with six tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Hunter Skibo and Owens added five tackles each. Owens also had a fumble recovery. Thompson and Parker added four tackles each and Woodall and Drake added three tackles apiece.

10-20-17 — Linden, Ala. — Marengo Academy’s Gavin Thompson throws a pass over a South Choctaw Academy defender.