Patriots compete hard in loss

Coach Chris Bunio could only compliment his Marshall Academy football team after a loss Friday night at bigger school Magnolia Heights.

The Class 3A Patriots put an early scare in the 4A Chiefs, jumping out to a 14-0 lead, before falling 38-20. He said depth played a big factor.

“We competed at a high level,” he said, “but we just couldn’t sustain it. We had eight guys going both ways, and they just wore us down. This Magnolia Heights team is good. They’re in a higher class, and they have so much size on both sides of the ball.

“I’m happy with the way we fought. If we can compete with Magnolia Heights, we can compete with anyone in our class.”

Brennan Smith caught two touchdown passes for MA, one from quarterback Conner Floyd and another from Devin Snow on a trick play. Floyd ran for the other touchdown.

Bunio praised the work of three linemen, Southern Moore, Hunter Holbrook and Cash Redding, who played on both offense and defense.

“They played their hearts out,” he said. “I’m very proud of those three guys.” The Patriots (1-1) return home this Friday night to host Lee Academy (Clarksdale). The Colts are 2-1, coming off a 54-24 win over Rossville Christian School.