Patriots drop season-opener

A tall task for Marshall Academy to kick off the football season proved insurmountable.

The 3A Patriots were struck by some big pass plays in the first half and fell to 4A Starkville Academy 42-17 on the road on Friday, Aug. 21.

“We had an opportunity early in the game to make plays and didn’t,” head coach Jake Hill said. “Starkville’s first four touchdowns came from busted coverages, and they should not have scored right before the half.”

The Volunteers, with a roster twice Marshall’s size, led 42-3 at intermission.

“Going in, we knew that our lack of depth was going to be an issue, and we lost two starters on defense in the first quarter,” he said.

MA’s only points of the first half came on a field goal from Noah Olguin. Brennan Smith had a rushing touchdown in the second half, followed by a fumble recovery for a touchdown from Hayes Foster. Olguin was successful on both extra points.

“I was proud of my boys for not quitting,” Hill said. “It will be a good film to learn and build. Starkville is a very good team and very well coached. When you play teams of that caliber, you have to capitalize when you get the opportunities, and we have to do a better job of taking care of the football.”

The Patriots play their home opener this Friday night, Aug. 28, against Winona Christian. The Stars opened their season last week with a 42-0 win over Kirk Academy.