Patriots rout Mountain Home

Marion gets to .500 in 6A East standings with win

Marion School District The Marion Patriots (3-4 overall, 2-2 6A East) made quick work of the Mountain Home Bombers (0-7, 0-4) last Friday night. The 56-3 win is the eleventh straight for the Pats against the Bombers, and is the final meeting for the foreseeable future between the long-time rivals because of the Bomber’s move to the 6A West next season.

Marion’s offense seemed more comfortable than they have in a long time, thanks to the return of receivers Cayden Hunt and Slade Webb from injury. Hunt caught eight passes for three touchdowns and 100 yards, while Webb caught eight passes for 196 yards and two scores.

Junior receiver D.J. Johnson also found the endzone on one of his three catches.

Antonio Grays caught a touchdown on a wheel route out of the backfield.

Aiden Crowe had a receiving touchdown from Ben Gerrard as well in the fourth quarter.

Friday was also the best night of the season for junior quarterback Daedrick Cail, one night after his 17th birthday. Cail completed 27 of his 34 passes for 450 yards and six touchdowns.

Marion senior running back Anthony Price also had a remarkable outing despite the limited number of touches. Price carried the ball 13 times for 77 yards and a touchdown, while also making four catches for 59 yards.

The Marion defense made their own statement by holding the struggling Bombers to a season-low three points. Mountain Home’s traditional wing formation was quickly abandoned by the Bombers in favor of a shotgun look, but running room was still scarce even after spreading the defense out.

Junior safety Dontonio Moore recovered a fumble on the Bomber’s first drive after giving up a 36 yard run a few plays earlier, stealing all of the momentum and keeping it for the remainder of the game.

Marion’s defense has forced at least one turnover in every game this season.

The Patriots will host the Pine Bluff Zebras (2-5, 2-2) on Friday, October 25. Marion won last year’s meeting at Torii Hunter Field 28-20, having most of their success through the air until rain began pouring down in the second half.

The Zebras have conference wins over Sylvan Hills and Mountain Home, but have lost their last two games to Jonesboro and Searcy. Kickoff from Patriot Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday in Marion.