Moundridge Dominates Marion 28-12 Behind Grill's 212-Yard Performance
Wildcats improve to 5-1 with balanced offensive attack and stout defensive effort
The Moundridge Wildcats improved to 5-1 on the season Friday night with a convincing 28-12 victory over Marion (4-2), powered by a dominant ground game and a bend-don't-break defensive performance.
Running back Paul Grill led the Wildcats' offensive assault with 212 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, including a spectacular 97-yard scoring run in the second quarter that gave Moundridge a 7-0 lead. The Wildcats never trailed after that opening strike.
Quarterback Owen Colwell added two touchdown passes, connecting with Easton Shahan on a 20-yard scoring strike later in the second quarter to extend the lead to 14-0 at halftime. Colwell finished 7-of-14 for 134 yards. Shahan was his top target with three receptions for 78 yards.
"Defense had a bend, don't break mentality all night long," said Coach O'Connor. "Their physicality and pursuit of the ball was the difference in this game against a well-coached, disciplined football team."
The Wildcats' defense held Marion to just 93 rushing yards while forcing key stops throughout the game. Grill led the defensive effort with five tackles and three assists, including one sack and two tackles for loss. Linebacker Tanner Jenkins added three tackles and five assists.
Marion's offense relied heavily on the passing game, throwing for 299 yards and two touchdowns. Jesse Snyder hauled in a 93-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 21-6, but Moundridge answered immediately.
Brayden Elmore capped the scoring with a 5-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, part of his 11-carry, 48-yard performance.
Moundridge outgained Marion 420-392 in total yards and controlled time of possession with a balanced offensive attack that produced 286 rushing yards and 134 passing yards. The Wildcats converted 4-of-9 third-down attempts and were a perfect 1-for-1 on fourth down.
Greg Loving
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