Burn Ban in Effect. All outdoor burning is prohibited in Franklin County.
The Mount Vernon Tigers finished their non-district schedule at 3-1 after falling to the Canton Eagles 55-0 in Canton on Thursday night.
The Tigers struggled from the start, while the Eagles scored 21 points in the first quarter. As the second quarter started, Mount Vernon put together an impressive drive that began on their own 49-yard line after Canton attempted to surprise the Tigers with an onside kick. The Tigers drove deep into Canton territory behind runs from senior Brycen Fountain and passes from junior Jackson Gray to seniors Brayden Baker and Hunter Carrell. Canton’s defense tightened as the Tigers got into the red zone, and Mount Vernon was turned away at the 13-yard line.
The Eagles added two more touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 35-0 lead into the locker room at the half.
Two more touchdowns in the third quarter and another score at the beginning of the fourth quarter allowed Canton to roll to the 55-0 win.
Mount Vernon athletic director and head coach Travis McClain was disappointed with the result but saw some positives in the way his team handled themselves. “Our kids stayed in the fight and didn't give up,” he said.
He also has perspective on the whole season, not just one bad result. “One game does not define this team. We are still a good football team, and will get back to work to get back on track,” he said.
Mount Vernon finished the non-district portion of the schedule at 3-1. Now, as they turn their attention toward their district schedule, the Tigers get an open week to prepare. “Much-needed bye week after a tough game to wrap up non-district,” McClain said. “We will get our guys that are banged up healthy and get back to basics to reset before district play starts.”
After the bye, Mount Vernon welcomes the Mineola Yellowjackets to Don Meredith Stadium to open the Tigers' district schedule on October 2.
McClain is already looking forward to the matchup. “Coach Moore is doing a great job in his first year at Mineola. They will be able to score points, and our defense will be tested,” he said. “Their defense is going to play full speed and downhill. Should be a great game.”
That game is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. in Mount Vernon.
