Tigers shutout Wildcats
Elijah Vickery avoids a Wildcat defender. (Tori J Norris/The Standard)
TORI J. NORRIS/THE GREENVILLE STANDARD
The McKenzie Tigers increased their record to 4-1 (3-0) Friday night when they shutout regional opponent Florala, 53-0.
The Tigers were fast to hit the scoreboard when Chris Shufford returned the opening kickoff 76-yards for a touchdown. The Tigers ended the first quarter with a 20-0 score. By halftime, the Tigers had increased the lead to 40-0.
After halftime, the Tigers coaching staff started giving the younger players some well-deserved playing time. “It was good to get our young players in the game to get some experience,” said Head Coach Tony Norris. “It will help us as a team moving forward.”
“These eighth and ninth graders have stayed with us this year, even without us having a junior varsity team and knowing their playing time would be minimal,” said Coach Norris. “It is great to be able to reward them for their hard work and dedication.”
Junior Quindarrio Lee moved into the quarterback position and junior Elijah Presely posted two rushing touchdowns in the second half. Senior Seth Keeney also scored a touchdown and Shufford scored five touchdowns during the game and increased his overall rushing yards for the season to 1,051.
“I am glad we were able to get the win and stay pretty much healthy,” said Coach Norris. “Now we have to survive homecoming week and keep our priorities in order.”
This week McKenzie will celebrate homecoming. The Tigers will host 2A Barbour County (0-3). Prior to the football game, there will be a pep rally on the football field at 1:20 and the homecoming parade will begin at 2:20. During halftime, the homecoming court will be presented and the queen will be crowned. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Williams-Vickery Field.
