The Millwood Falcons (5-1) used a suffocating defense and a strong rushing attack to beat the Jones Longhorns (6-2) 30-22, handing the Longhorns their first District loss in 2,198 days and take a commanding lead in the District 2A-2 race.
The two high powered offenses took a while to get going. After both squads had to punt on opening drives, Xavier Zackary was able to score on a 3 yard Touchdown run late in the 1st Quarter. The TD was set up by a 52 yard pass from Quarterback Carson May to Senior Receiver Tye Tucker.
Early in the 2nd Quarter, Millwood Linebacker Domanic Godwin was able to strip a Jones receiver and trot into the endzone. This would set off a string of 30 unanswered Falcon points.
Early in the 3rd Quarter, Millwood QB Rickey Hunt Jr scored on a two yard TD run. Up to that point, the Horns had done a good job containing Hunt. However, in the second half, Hunt showed why he is already getting attention from multiple College Football programs, including Iowa State. On the next drive, Hunt was able to follow his blockers and sprint 76 yards for a Touchdown. This put the Falcons up 22-8 going into the the 4th Quarter.
After the Longhorns were unsuccessful on a 4th and goal, Millwood embarked on a methodical 14 play drive that took almost 9 minutes off the game clock. The drive stalled when Tye Tucker was able to strip the ball from Millwood RB Micho Lavine and return the ball 41 yards. Two plays later, Falcon Linebacker Robert Mays picked off May and returned the interception for a Touchdown, the second score on the evening for the Millwood Defense.
The Longhorns still had some life, with a 3 play, 54 yard drive capped off by at 43 yard Touchdown connection from May to Junior Receiver Kadyn Carl. The Longhorns converted a successful onside kick by Freshman Kicker Nate Veirs. The Longhorns scored again 59 seconds later when May found Senior Receiver Elijah Reed for a 2 yard Touchdown. The Falcons were able to recover ensuing onside kick attempt and run out the clock with a 30-22 victory.
Jones Head Football Coach Dave Martin has continually emphasized the Longhorns need to consistently improve week to week. The Longhorn offense turned the ball over 5 times (3 interceptions, 2 fumbles). 22 of the 30 Falcon points came as a result of turnovers, either directly or on the ensuing drive. The speed of the Falcon defenders frustrated the offense all night, holding the Longhorns to 3 of 15 on 3rd down conversions. The Longhorns will have a chance to regroup and take the field again next Friday night against Prague.
The Jones Journal 