After a hard fought battle between both teams, the Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets (2-5) fell to the Watkins Memorial Warriors (1-6) at home in overtime, 27-21.
Mount Vernon came into the game on a two-game win streak, while Watkins had yet to win a game this season.
Watkins demanded control of the game in the first half, as they scored three touchdowns. Mount Vernon went into the locker room down 21-6.
Tempo changed coming out into the second half, as Mount Vernon came out with a spark. The Yellow Jackets converted two separate drives into two touchdowns and converted on a two-point conversion to tie the game up in the third quarter.
Neither team scored in the fourth quarter, though MV had a chance, as they drove down the field and with one second remaining, called on the field goal unit. In what would have been a game-winning kick and an exciting finish, Watkins ruined all chances. The Warriors blocked the kick and sent the game into overtime.
Overtime was filled with excitement as the teams were all tied up. Mount Vernon took the ball first, and after two penalties against them, went four and out and gave the ball back to the Warriors. The Warriors took the win with an 8-yard run by senior Brayden Walden.
The Yellow Jackets running game was strong throughout the game as running back Mavrik Gregory ran for 102 yards on 25 carries, while backup quarterback Mason Richards ran the ball 14 times for 138 yards.
MV quarterback Jake Taylor threw the ball minimally, going 4 of 6 for 65 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Mount Vernon will look to bounce back from the loss as they travel to Licking Heights next Friday.
