Morgan County cruised to a 41-19 win over Cedar Shoals this past Friday in Athens.
The ‘Dogs improved to 5-0 heading into the bye week before region play begins next week.
Morgan dominated in the first half, specifically the opening quarter, when senior wide receiver Jaylen Elder scored a trio of touchdowns. Junior tailback Christian Monfort scored via the ground as well.
Morgan head coach Clint Jenkins acknowledged how explosive Elder was against the Jaguars.
“I’ve said this several times to people. It was like he was playing a video game out there,” Jenkins said. “He made a couple of runs that were just ridiculous. I felt like [offensive coordinator] Brett Bell did a good job. We put some stuff in for [Jay], and he took just about everything we put in for him to the house quickly. He had a really good performance. He’s getting better and better every week.”
Elder caught a 33-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Davis Strickland to put the Dogs up early. Cedar Shoals then drove down the field, scoring its first touchdown of the year on the next drive.
Morgan led 7-6 as the Jaguars missed the extra point but responded by scoring 34 unanswered points.
Strickland connected with Elder for a 38-yard passing score, followed by Monfort reaching the end zone on a 1-yard rush. Elder added an 83-rushing touchdown before the quarter came to an end.
In the second quarter, leading 28-6, Monfort kept his legs moving for a 13-yard rushing touchdown before Strickland completed a 19-yard score via the air to junior wide receiver Ty Tillery.
Jenkins felt his defense could’ve performed better throughout the first half, but overall, he was pleased.
“Cedar came out and decided they felt like they were going to be able to run the football,” he said. “They wanted to attack us on the perimeter in the secondary. They had a little bit of success early, so we were a little disappointed in that. We still have to work that out. Overall, it was 41-6 at halftime.”
Cedar Shoals scored two touchdowns - one each of the third and fourth quarters - to cut into Morgan’s lead; however, the damage was already done. The Dogs’ first-half effort secured the win.
Elder led the team in receiving yards and rushing yards. The 6-foot, 165-pound senior offensive threat caught five passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns and had one rush for 84 yards and a score.
Strickland was also sharp, completing 13-of-14 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns in the win. Monfort rushed for 58 yards on nine carries, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt, with two scores.
Morgan County (5-0) enters the bye week ranked No. 2 in Class AA. The Dogs are clicking at the season’s midpoint, hoping to win a second-straight region championship heading into the state playoffs.
“We don’t talk much about the ranking, except that it just puts an X on your back,” Jenkins said. “You’re going to get everybody’s best shot now. Again, obviously, we’re in a new playoff system, so rankings don’t mean much right now. Seeding means a tremendous amount going into the region because it sets up the playoff bracket. So, we just want to continue to do the little things better.”
The Dogs return to action next Thursday, Sept. 26, on a neutral side against Westside of Macon.