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By John Miller (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Aurora, Mo. – With a state-ranked opponent in its backyard and a trophy at stake, the Aurora Houn Dawgs left little doubt they’re a force to be reckoned with when playoff time begins in three weeks.
Aurora took down Class 3 No. 8-ranked Mount Vernon 33-14, claiming the Bell Bowl in front of a packed house on its home field.
“This game is everything here in Aurora,” Dawgs wideout Clayton Dunning said, moments after tallying 159 all-purpose yards, including a pair of touchdowns in the win. “We look to win every game, but this one’s huge. Everybody comes out, it’s awesome. It’s an awesome experience.”
Aurora (4-3) marched 77 yards in nine plays on its opening drive and never turned back. After Mount Vernon (5-2) fumbled on its second offensive play from scrimmage, Aurora punched it in two plays later on a two-yard plunge by senior fullback Blake Williams.
“That was huge,” Aurora senior quarterback JD Lee said. “Getting that turnover meant everything. I told my guys, ‘We need to score on this. This is huge. The defense came up big and we need to score for them. We got their backs.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
Before Mount Vernon could blink, it trailed 13-0.
“We wanted to punch them in the face,” Dunning said. “We wanted to get to them early and then ride out the rest of the game.”
Mission accomplished.
Mount Vernon found life early in the second quarter, driving 64 yards in 2:18 and scoring on a one-yard run by senior tailback Sammy Robinson. At the time, it cut the deficit to 19-7.
The Mountaineers continued to build momentum on Aurora’s next drive, backing the Dawgs into a third-and-11 situation from Aurora’s own 19 yard-line. But Aurora had just the answer to flip the momentum once and for all. Lee flipped the ball in the flat to Dunning, who threw a dart downfield to junior tight-end Kaden Clark for an 81-yard touchdown reception.
“That was huge,” Lee said. “We knew the defense was reacting to our sweep, so we figured the safety would roll up. I pitched to Clayton, and Clayton made a great pass to Kaden. He was wide open.”
It was a dagger that Mount Vernon couldn’t come back from.
“We play together,” Denning said. “It’s not individuals like it was last year. Everybody is playing together as one this year.”
Lee completed 13-of-17 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for two scores. Junior Casey Weathermon led the Dawgs in receiving with five catches for 95 yards, including a 32-yard reception on the first play of the game.
Mount Vernon senior quarterback Ty Boswell completed 18-of-28 passes for 191 yards. He rushed for 63 yards on 11 carries, including a 31-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter. Senior Andrew Montemayor had nine catches for 112 yards.
Mount Vernon visits six-time defending Class 2 state champion Lamar next Friday. Aurora will play at Cassville.
Aurora 33, Mount Vernon 14
First Quarter
8:18 – Aurora – Lee 1-yd run (Kessinger PAT)
6:13 – Aurora – Williams 2-yd run (PAT blocked)
Second Quarter
11:55 – Aurora – Lee 5-yd run (2-pt fail)
9:31 – Mount Vernon – Robinson 1-yd run (Buttram PAT)
8:30 – Aurora – 81-yd pass Dunning to Clark (2-pt fail)
:42.6 – Aurora – 10-yd pass Lee to Dunning (2-pt success)
Third Quarter
9:22 – Mount Vernon – Boswell 31-yd run (Buttram PAT)
