DIANA -- Garrett Barton got only 11 carries, but he averaged almost 20 yards per attempt and scored three touchdowns in a 41-13 New Diana win against Linden-Kildare in a District 9-2A Division II matchup.

Barton finished with 211 yards on his 11 totes for an average of 19.2 yards per carry. Quarterback Jobie Ainsworth, who ran for 26 yards on six carries, provided efficiency and big plays throwing the ball, completing 6 of 10 passes for 91 yards and three touchdowns, one of which went to Barton, who caught two passes for 46 yards.

The win pushed New Diana to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in district. The Eagles look to keep their postseason hopes alive Friday when they travel to Elysian Fields (3-5, 3-2) for a game with huge playoff berth implications.

New Diana got a big game from its defense, which held Linden-Kildare (2-6, 1-4) to 203 total yards. Cody Winn had 14 tackles, three for loss, and one sack. Cody Holland and Brandon Wesley each had 10 tackles, three for loss, and one sack. DeQuailyn Hollins had 10 tackles and recovered a fumble. Cameron Taylor also recovered an L-K fumble.

New Diana's K.J. Jeffery got eight offensive touches and gained 40 yards as he caught one of Ainsworth's three touchdown passes. Tyler Morgan, who picked off a pass on defense, caught the other, a 23-yard strike.

Linden-Kildare hosts Paul Pewitt (5-3, 3-2) on Friday.

 

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