Texas High Forces Three-Way Tie for First in District 15-5A With 27-7 Win Over Marshall

[By Josh Richert, Special to ETSN.fm]

TEXARKANA — Texas High knocked Marshall from the ranks of the unbeatens and moved itself into a three-way tie for the top spot in District 15-5A.

The Tigers held the potent Mavericks offense to 181 yards of total offense, and JaKardi Witcher turned in a 200-yard night to power Texas High to a 27-7 win Friday at Tiger Stadium at Grim Park.

Witcher had four touchdowns and broke 1,000 yards on the season with his first scoring run, a 45-yard jaunt on his third touch of the game. He added TD runs of 2, 3 and 3 yards, helping the Tigers (6-2, 4-1) build a 20-0 lead at halftime.

The Mavericks (7-1, 4-1) came in averaging 452 yards and 48.1 points per game. They finished with 130 yards rushing and 51 passing, and the only touchdown was set up by an interception returned to the Tiger 11-yard line by Tre Macon on the fourth play of the second half.

Chavis Mills scored from the 5 three plays later to make it 20-7. Cameron Haller rushed for 84 yards on 23 carries for Marshall and was 9-of-18 passing for 51 yards and an interception.

Witcher had 34 carries for 200 yards after needing just 20 yards to reach the milestone. Cornerback Jerry Wrightner had a diving interception in the red zone to halt a 16-play drive by Marshall, and Jacorien Walker scooped up a fumble late in the first half on a lateral not handled.

Witcher rushed for three scores in the first half, and the Tigers limited the Mavericks to 61 yards of total offense through two quarters.

Witcher had scoring runs of 45, 2 and 3 yards on Texas High's first three possessions.

Texas High's defense forced three three-and-outs by the Mavericks in the half and recovered a fumble on the third play of another drive just before halftime. Marshall managed just four first downs, including one on the final play of the half.