Morgan County improved to 3-0 overall this past Friday with a 24-13 victory over Oconee County.
The Dogs (3-0) topped the Warriors (0-3) in a slugfest, led by a physical effort on each side of the ball.
Morgan’s offense has shined most of the year, but head coach Clint Jenkins complimented his team’s defense. He said coordinator David Bethea had his unit ready after Oconee scored first.
“Defensively, I thought we played really well. It was one of those games where Oconee struck first on a long pass, [but] I thought we did a good job after that,” Jenkins said. “They moved the ball between the 20s, but we had three or four important fourth-down stops on our end of the field.”
Morgan drove the length of the field on its next possession in just a few minutes. Quarterback Davis Strickland tossed a long touchdown to wide receiver Ty Tillery, tying the game after the extra point.
The two teams were locked in a stalemate and traded blows for the rest of the first and most of the second quarter. However, the Dogs took a lead they’d never give up with 2:51 left in the first half.
Tillery caught his second touchdown pass from Strickland, putting Morgan up 14-7 after the extra point. The Dogs then led 17-7 at the end of the first half following a quick stop and a long field goal.
The third quarter was scoreless, but Morgan made a critical defensive stop near its end to regain possession. The Dogs’ final score followed as Strickland tossed his third touchdown to Jaylen Elder.
The Warriors scored one touchdown in garbage time, but Morgan handled business in the final quarter despite a late fumble. Tailback Christian Monfort gave it up but fared better on the next drive.
Strickland, who ranks third statewide in passing – regardless of classification – had another strong performance. He completed 15 of 21 pass attempts for 228 yards and three touchdowns in the 11-point win.
“Davis had another big day. Jay also had another big day, and so did Ty,” Jenkins said. “Ty had two big catches on two 50-50 balls, and he went up and got in the end zone. That’s what got us going.”
Elder totaled six catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. Tillery hauled in four receptions for 94 yards and a score. Tight end Drew Ainslie was productive, too, catching three passes for 18 yards.
Monfort also had another strong outing, rushing for a team-high 183 yards on 25 carries without a score. Sophomore running back Alex Corrias also rushed the ball nine times for a total of 53 yards.
“We’re still not playing consistently and [aren’t] where we want to be, but man, at times, we’re playing clutch and good,” Jenkins said. “So, we’ve just got to get a little more consistency of play. But really proud of our kids and our defense. And offensively, we were able to get the running game going.”
Previously ranked No. 9 in Class 2A, Morgan has moved up to No. 3. The Dogs next face Greene County (3-0) at home this Friday. The Tigers are currently ranked No. 6 in Class A Division II.