For the Daily Reporter
YORKTOWN — For just over half of Friday night’s game, the Mt. Vernon Marauders could not get out of their own way.
After a fumble recovery for a touchdown by the host Yorktown Tigers, the Marauders trailed 27-20 just after halftime. But due to strong running from Rylan Cole and a defense that stiffened immensely after halftime, the Marauders were able to take control the rest of the way and come away with a 41-33 victory.
The game started off perfectly for the Marauders, as sophomore running back Cole carried the ball for a 55-yard touchdown. The game evened out for awhile afterwards, with the Tigers scoring a first quarter touchdown on a 30-yard scamper by junior quarterback Reid Neal.
In the second quarter, the turnover bug bit the Marauders, no doubt fueled by the constant cold drizzle. Two interceptions allowed a 14-7 Marauder lead to turn into a deficit. But Cole scored his third touchdown of the half with 1:21 remaining to give the Marauders a halftime lead.
The defense gave a sign of what was to come at the end of the half, sacking Neal on three consecutive plays to end a last-gasp scoring effort.
Cole scored his fourth touchdown in the third quarter to bring the Marauders back within one. Cole finished with 204 yards rushing and four touchdowns in largely three quarters of work, as a big hit took him out of the game in the fourth quarter.
Freshman running back Keagan LaBelle filled in admirably after Cole went down, converting numerous clutch runs, including a 4th and goal touchdown run and a 3rd and short with the chance to run the clock out.
LaBelle scored both Marauders touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
The Tigers were able to get the ball back with about one minute remaining, but the Mt. Vernon defense completed its second half shutout without allowing Yorktown even a yard on its last effort to tie the game.
The win improves Mt. Vernon’s record to 6-3 on the season and 5-2 in the Hoosier Heritage Conference. With Delta’s loss to New Palestine, Mt. Vernon finished the regular season with a share of second place in the HHC.
The Marauders begin sectional play next week as they host Shelbyville at 7 p.m.
