BULLARD – The Mount Vernon Tigers scored on their first possession, and their last possession, and defense was the name of the game Friday night at Herrington Field.

Unfortunately for the Brook Hill Guard, the Mount Vernon defense was just a little tougher, as the Tigers handed the Guard a 21-6 setback in a game highlighted by big stops and clock domination.

Mount Vernon (2-0) took 5:05 off the clock, and ran nine plays in the drive before quarterback Kason Pletcher threw for his lone completion of the game, and a 6-yard strike to Cameron Woods. The PAT was wide and the 6-0 lead stood until halftime.

At intermission, the Tigers held a 9-1 advantage in first downs, and 127-30 in total yards.

Opening the second half receiving, the Tigers drove 75 yards, and ran another 5:15 off the clock before the scoreboard changed.

Running back John Haller bulled in for the final 5 yards, and his PAT run made it 14-0 at the 8:31 mark of the third quarter.

The Guard had a shot to change the momentum late in the period, when linebacker Ian Hathaway jumped on a Mount Vernon fumble at the 18 yard line. Five plays later, Guard quarterback Hood Taylor sprinted around the left end to finally put Brook Hill on the scoreboard.

The PAT kick failed for a 14-6 deficit with 10:24 remaining in the game.

Answering back, the Tigers took the ball at the 38-yard line. Sticking with the ground game, Pletcher gained 20 of his 91 yards grinding up the middle, and three first downs later sat at the Brook Hill 5-yard line.

Haller blasted up the middle for the score, and a Colton Brantley PAT kick finished off the scoring.

Taylor ran for 46 yards on 14 carries and a score, while adding completing 16-of-20 passes for 131-yards. Running back Jeremiah McGowen was held to only 30 yards on 12 attempts.

The Tigers combined for 241 yards on 55 rushes in the contest. Woods ran for 49 yards on eight carries, and also caught two passes for 52 yards and a TD for Mount Vernon.

The Guard (1-1) will play a third consecutive home game next Friday, playing host to Houston St. John School. Mount Vernon will entertain Hooks next week, with both games kicking off at 7:30 p.m.

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