MARION — Once a tie game in the third quarter last year, Marion Harding wilted in the second half at Mount Vernon, turning it over six times on the night.
When it looked like the Yellow Jackets were staging another dramatic second-half comeback, the Presidents didn't allow it, coming away with a 31-27 Week 1 high school football victory Friday night in Harding Stadium.
"Coming back this season and being able to come together as a team, we’ve really worked together on building a new culture and starting toward something great. Revenge tour 2024, baby," Harding senior receiver Parker Davis said.
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How did Harding do it?
The Presidents were in control for much of the game, leading 10-0 in the first quarter and still leading 10-6 at halftime. Harding appeared to break it open to start the third quarter when Ray J Scott-Harbolt capped a 14-play drive with a 3-yard run. A little over three minutes later, they took advantage of a bad snap for a MV punt and set themselves up at the 14. With 2:11 to go in the quarter, Scott-Harbolt scored for a second time to give Harding a 24-6 lead.
Then in the span of six-and-a-half minutes, the Jackets scored 21 unanswered points to take a 27-24 lead as two Harding turnovers set up two of the scoring possessions.
"We got put in some rough situations throughout the game, but our coaches continued to remind us that we need to stick together and play as a team. All we can do is our 1/11 th and trust each other. That’s what we tried to stick to and we came out on top," Davis said.
They avoided last year's 45-20 fate.
Less than a minute after falling behind, the Prexies responded as Davis got behind the defense and quarterback Connor Pennington hit him in stride down the middle for a 78-yard catch-and-run touchdown and the 31-27 advantage that would stand.
"It was a good play and a great ball from my quarterback," Davis said. "I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the timing of my O-line. They allowed us to get the time to throw the ball. I’m grateful to have a great team and a great coaching staff."
Harding coach Chuck Williamson wasn't surprised by the play Davis made.
"He was phenomenal. That’s not by accident," Williamson said. "He puts the work in. He is a weight room warrior. He’s in there every day working his tail off. If you come out here on a Saturday, he’ll be out here working on his speed. I’m so proud of them all. Connor found him over the middle."
What do the numbers say?
Davis finished with two touchdowns, scoring a 10-yard reception in the first quarter. He ended with 11 catches for 158 yards as Pennington was 20-for-27 for 235 yards. Besides two TD runs, Scott Harbolt led the rushing attack with 60 yards on 16 carries. Harding hurt itself with 11 penalties for 63 yards. Jackson Shipley kicked a 21-yard field goal and was perfect on his extra points for the Presidents.
The defense held MV to 74 yards rushing as Dakota Stafford had 76 of his team-high 79 yards rushing in the first half. Jake Taylor finished 11-for-22 passing for 234 yards after going 5 of 10 for 68 yards in the first half. The Jackets had 16 first downs to Harding's 112 and committed seven penalties for 50 yards.
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This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Marion Harding embarks on 'revenge tour 2024' in football season opener Friday
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