Lions stun Mustangs in home opener

Senior quarterback Layne Sims had his best performance of the season, leading the Manila Lions to a 62-28 victory over the Marvell Mustangs Friday

night.

Sims accumulated four touchdowns total, three rushing and one passing. Manila’s high powered offense was too hot to handle for the Mustangs from start to finish.

Manila head coach Lorin Morgan plots strategy during the Lion's home opener Friday night. Manila rolled to a 62-28 victory over Marvell.

Lions elected to receive the opening kickoff and was soon awarded excellent field position after an electrifying 55 yard kick return by senior Jacob

McCullum.

Manila wasted little time getting on the board after two consecutive quarterback keepers up the middle resulting in a three yard touchdown run giving the Lions a 7-0 lead with 10:52 to play in the first quarter. Lopez’s extra point was good extending the lead 7-0.

Marvell’s first play from scrimmage resulted in a turnover. O.J. Johnson’s fumble was recovered by a pride of Lions. Momentum was on Manila’s side, with once again great field position on the Mustangs 39 yard line. Senior running back Brett Carter racked up 21 yards on two consecutive carries spotting the ball at Marvell’s 18 yard line. Sims found Navarro in the back field for the first completed pass of the night but was illegally tackled by his collar.

After the personal foul the Lions were in striking distance spotting the ball at the three yard line. The drive was capped off by a strong three yard

touchdown run from Carter, extending the lead 14-0 lead with 9:18 to play in the first quarter after a successful Lopez PAT.

Mustangs senior quarterback, O.J. Johnson returned the ensuing kickoff 10 yards before fumbling into the outstretched hands of junior, Clint McKaskle.

McKaskle was awarded three carries consecutively resulting in a three yard scamper into the end zone for another Lion touchdown. Lions lead extended 21-0 after another Lopez PAT with 7:28 to play in the first quarter. Defense was the tale of both the Lions and Mustangs next two series resulting in two

punts. Despite the Mustangs previous defensive stand, Carter had the highlight carry for the Lions with a 22 yard blast into the mouth of the defense setting up a Hayden Kirk five yard touchdown carry. With under one minute to play in the first quarter the Lions extended a substantial lead 28-0.

Nite Sims avoided a first half shut out with a five yard touchdown run and another carry between the Lion tackles for a two point conversion closing the gap 28-8 with seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Quarterback Layne Sims wasted little time answering the Marvell touchdown, scoring two touchdowns in under three minutes. Sims connected with senior

Ethan Navarro for a 20 yard touchdown strike. Following the first touchdown pass, Layne scrambled in the back field finding a huge hole and bolted down the side line for a tackle breaking 38 yard touchdown giving the Lions a 42-8 lead with 6:00 to play in the second quarter. The following two Marvell possessions resulted in two 52 and 65 yard touchdown carries from scrimmage by junior Kentrell Kollen and senior O.J. Johnson. This halted the mercy rule with a score of 42-20 with 2:14 to play in the second quarter.Sophomore quarterback Zack Morris took command under center for the Lions. Morris led the Lions to a four play scoring drive. The drive was concluded by a 43 yard highlight touchdown run from Morris, giving the Lions the 48-20 advantage. The Lions, with little time left to play in the second quarter,

managed to find the end zone again before the intermission. Sims capped off a four play drive ending the half with a 16 yard touchdown carry down the

sideline. Lions led 55-20 at the half.

With the mercy rule in effect the second half was swift allowing just two more scores a piece from the Lions and Mustangs. Final whistle stamped the

Lions victory official 62-28.

“I was proud of our players tonight, we limited turnovers. We were able to hold on to the football and that’s what we have been harping on all week in

practice,” said Coach Lorin Morgan. “This win is crucial and momentum going into conference play this week.”

The Lions will be in conference action this Friday night at Piggott against the Mohawks.