BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — A little rain did not stop Martin County Middle School from honoring their eighth grader Saturday night. The team battled through the steady rainfall and downed Floyd County 32-0 at home.
Bryson Osborne received the first snap of the game from his own 36-yard line. He made his way to opponent 36 after being tripped up.
Osborne received the next handoff and took off for the first touchdown of his MCMS career.
Brandon Wells rushed his way in for the two-point conversion.
The defense held Floyd County to a four-and-out on the next drive.
Kendall Mullins zapped by the defense with a 41-yard carry to the opponent 43-yard line.
Brody Howell scored his first touchdown of the game after throwing his classic stiff arm out and rushing for 37 yards into the endzone.
Osborne’s two-point conversion was good for a 16-0 lead to end the first quarter.
Parker Maynard broke loose from his own 20-yard line to the half-century mark.
From the 50-yard line, Howell lowered himself into a defender and sent the Jaguar down before taking off for a 50-yard touchdown.
On the other side of the ball, Jeremy Bentley lit the Jaguars up for a loss of five with a sack on the quarterback.
Braxton “The Beast” Moore got hit at the 40-yard line. He carried four Floyd County defenders on his back for 10 more yards before he went down.
This set up Brody Howell’s third touchdown on a 30-yard run.
James Bentley finished out the half with an interception.
MCMS eighth graders were honored at halftime, with their families being recognized on the field.
It was a surreal feeling for Osborne to score.
“We were running out of heavy. We ran it again and it felt pretty good to score my first TD,” Osborne said. “It was awesome getting a win on eighth-grade night. I couldn’t be playing with a better group of guys.”
Howell scored three touchdowns in his last MCMS home game.
“I surprised myself tonight,” Howell commented. “It’s the best feeling in the world being with my guys and getting this win. We put football together and did everything right tonight.”
Brandon Wells said, “It feels great. I’m glad to win this one. It’s been a fun season.”
MCMS head coach Wesley Hager has done a tremendous job this season.
“These boys in their third- and fourth-grade years vividly remember playing a game in the pouring rain. It was divine intervention. It was raining tonight, and these boys came out with a big win,” Coach Hager said. “This is a really special group of kids that will be going to high school next year.”