For the Daily Reporter
NEW CASTLE — The Mt. Vernon Marauders have taken care of business. Defeating the New Castle Trojans 45-8 in the Sectional 21 semifinals has pushed the Marauders record to 9-2 on the season and set up a rematch of their closest regular season victory, a four-point win over Pendleton Heights, this time for a sectional championship.
The Marauders wasted no time taking control of the game. The Marauder defense forced a three-and-out to open the matchup and then blocked the punt to give themselves the ball inside the red zone. Four plays later, Rylan Cole barreled into the end zone for the opening score.
Cole would score again just a few minutes later, this time on defense. When a Trojan pass deflected off their receiver’s hands, Cole snatched it out of the air and scampered 70 yards for the defensive touchdown. The Marauders would score two more touchdowns in the opening quarter on 5 and 57 yard runs by sophomore running back Keagan LaBelle.
“I really like how we came out tonight,” Marauders coach Mike Kirschner. “But, typical of us, we kind of let up a bit in the second quarter.”
The Marauders only scored three points in the second quarter, but did so in memorable fashion. After multiple penalties, the Marauders were faced with 2nd and 47. On a short pass to Ashden Gentry, Gentry juked numerous Trojan receivers to gain 54 yards to convert the first down. Three plays later, AJ Swingle nailed a 29-yard field goal to push the lead to 31-0.
The Trojans sacked Gehrig Slunaker in the end zone later in the quarter for a safety. But another Cole touchdown on the first drive of the third quarter ensured a running clock and all but iced the game.
“We’ve really improved since earlier in the year,” Kirschner said. “But, its our 11th game. New Castle was better than the last time we played them. Pendleton will be better than when we played them last. I shouldn’t have to do too much this week to get a solid effort.”
Mt. Vernon won a tight battle against Pendleton Heights, 18-14 on September 27th. The game will again take place at Mt. Vernon next Friday at 7 p.m. The winner of the game will advance to the regional round and play either Roncalli or Western (Russiaville).
