By Tristan James (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
When Mt. Vernon and Reeds Spring met two weeks ago, it was a tight game throughout the first half before Mt. Vernon pulled away for a 42-27 win.
In the rematch on Friday, Mt. Vernon’s defense was one from the start on the way to a 45-13 victory in the Class 3 District 6 semifinals.
“I thought we played great in all three phases of the game,” said head coach Tom Cox.
The Mountaineer defense made its presence felt from the start of the game with Jarrett Zerby intercepting Reeds Spring on its first offensive drive. Zerby had his number called on offense with Gavin Johnston finding him for a 45-yard touchdown to make it 7-0.
“We designed that play specifically for me, so I knew what I was going to do. I faked the block and ran down the field,” said Zerby.”
“We were happy about that play. We actually drew it up on Wednesday, so we only had one day to practice it. We were happy that it worked out,” said Johnston.
That score remained steady through the first quarter. Reeds Spring tied the game up early in the second quarter at 7-7.
Mt. Vernon had the quick answer with Johnston hitting Zerby once again. This time is was a 33-yard touchdown pass making it 14-7.
The Mountaineers added three points from a Landon Popa field goal to extend the lead to 17-7.
Late in the first half, Braden Dodson pulled down and interception to give Mt. Vernon the ball in great field position. Johnston found Zerby once again, this time from 29 yards out to send Mt. Vernon into the half up 24-7.
Mt. Vernon took the first drive of the second half for a touchdown from Johnston to Ryder Dampf extending the lead to 31-7. The margin extended to 38-7 before Reeds Spring scored with three minutes remaining in the game to make it 38-13.
Johnston’s sixth touchdown pass late in the game capped the scoring at 42-27.
Johnston completed 13-of-15 passes for 229 yards and six touchdowns. Zerby caught five passes for 123 yards and three touchdowns. Dodson rushed for 127 yards on 21 carries.
Now, Mt. Vernon turns its attention to Seneca.
“Our guys concentrated on this game only. We are going to enjoy it tonight and come in tomorrow morning and it will be Seneca from here on out into next week,” Cox said.
The Mountaineers will travel to Seneca next Friday with the Class 3 District 6 championship on the line.
