Trevor Fisk (5) had an interception and fumble recovery Friday in the Marshals 28-7 win over Ballard Memorial. Also pictured for the Marshals, Jaron Wood (23). Photo courtesy of Bill Murphy. More of Bill’s photos can be found at www.billmurphyphotography.com.
DRAFFENVILLE – Ballard Memorial struck on the opening kick with a 75 yard run back by Devin Bledsoe for a touchdown and 7-0 lead but the Marshals would go on to score the next 28 points of the game to win their first home game of the 2016 season, 28-7.
Coach Evan Merrick was happy with the hard-fought game his team put together for four quarters saying, “We wanted to control time of possession and turnover margin and did that.”
The Marshals put together a good drive on their first offensive series that took them down inside the Ballard Memorial red zone where quarterback Skyler Smith was intercepted at the nine yard line.
Mason Green (22) rushed for over 200 yards in the Marshals home opener Friday against Ballard Memorial. Photo by Bill Murphy, www.billmurphyphotography.com.
On the Bombers next series the Marshals striped away a Jamarrion Williams catch from Ballard quarterback Erick Marinelli to get the ball back on their own 26 yard line but after a 1st down pass from Smith to Tristen Prange for 18 yards, the Marshals were unable to convert the next first down and punted on 4th and short, getting a great roll down to the Ballard five yard line to end the 1st quarter.
Trevor Fisk intercepted Marinelli to start the 2nd quarter but the Marshals would turn the ball over on downs, leaving it to their relentless Marshall defense who on two consecutive plays sacked Marinelli, forcing a fumble on the second to get the ball back near midfield.
Going for it on 4th and 6 on their next series, the Marshals picked up the 1st down, gained another 11 yards on the ground by Mason Green to the 20 and two plays later, Smith completed a pass to Grant Utley who ran it in for the touchdown. The point after attempt was no good and the Bombers held on to a 7-6 lead.
On Ballard’s next offensive series, Zach Garland dropped the quarterback for a loss which led to a punt and a drive that began from their own 20 yard line, resulting in a 30 yard field goal by Chet Cretsinger to put the Marshals up 9-7.
The Marshals received the second half opening kick and put together a 72 yard drive highlighted by rushes from Green and a nice reception by Fisk that led to a 3-yard touchdown run by Dalton Nelson. The 2-point conversion attempt was denied by the Bombers for a 15-7 Marshall lead.
With 4:34 left in the 3rd quarter, Ballard’s Dru Collier fumble was picked up by Fisk who went the 16 yards to the end zone for a touchdown and 22-7 Marshall County lead.
The Marshals final touchdown came in the 4th quarter on a 13 yard touchdown run by Green following a 77 yard drive for the 28-7 win handing the Bombers (2-1) their first loss of the season as the Marshals improve to 1-1.
Green ran for over 200 yards on the ground on 26 carriers. The Marshals had 457 yards in total offense, 213 of those in the air by quarterback Skyler Smith who completed 19 of 29 passes.
Next week they will host the Calloway County Lakers who are 2-0 with wins over Ohio County and Murray.
Tristen Prange (9) looking for running space in the Marshals Hall of Fame Game win over Ballard Memorial. Photo by Bill Murphy, www.billmurphyphotography.com.
