Fulton appeared certain to rally late in the fourth quarter Friday night and make it a one score game. Andrew Runge had other ideas.

Back to back plays by the Mexico junior secured a 35-14 win in the annual grudge match that is the Highway 54 Bowl, this year hosted by the Hornets -- the ninth in a row for the Bulldogs in a rivalry dating back to 1920.

Mexico had come out of the halftime break with intent, piling on 14 points in the third and extending their advantage to 27-14 in the fourth. But with 3:00 to play in the game, the Hornets moved quickly into Mexico territory.

Fulton quarterback Dustin Hagens has a big arm, completing 14 of 25 on the night, two for touchdowns. On second down from the Mexico 47, Hagens dropped back again and fired over the middle.

But Runge intervened, corralling the pass for an interception.

"It was important to keep them from scoring," Runge said.

A touchdown and point after would have put the Hornets just 6 points behind, with an onside kick likely to follow. Simply stopping the Hornets wasn't enough, however.

On the first play from scrimmage following the pick, quarterback Ty Sims handed the ball to Runge, who scooted through a gap and then raced 64 yards to make it a 35-14 game.

Runge observed that the interception left Fulton a bit deflated. "I just took advantage," he added.

The game opened as a defensive slugfest. The Bulldogs were forced to punt on their opening drive and turned the ball over on downs the next possession. It was much the same for Fulton, with an interception thrown in.

With the ball on their own 26, the Hornets opted for a bit of trickery. Hagens pitched to James Walker, who sprinted toward the sideline then pulled up and threw downfield.

But Mexico linebacker Morgan Grubb wasn't fooled and collected the ball.

It was scoreless after one, but Fulton put together a long drive covering 74 yards in 13 plays, ending with a Hagens touchdown pass to Walker Gohring. The extra point try failed, making it 6-0.

"We had to get our heads back in the game," said Michael White.

White and his equally elusive backfield mate Anthony Shivers took turns as the Bulldogs looked to get on the board. With just 17 seconds to go before the half, White glanced off tackle and into the end zone. Runge kicked the extra point and Mexico was on top 7-6.

The Bulldogs got the ball to start the third quarter. After a relentless and time consuming drive, White again burst over, this time from 9 yards out, adding to the lead at 14-6.

When Fulton attempted to respond, Jaden Hatfield and Kendyr Taylor combined for a stop to make it 3rd and 5 on the Mexico 32. The Hornets again went to the bag of gadgets, sending Brynn Bynum on a reverse.

But Deacon Haag sliced him down for a loss, forcing a punt.

"I have to step it up," Haag said, referring to Mexico's defensive line greats of the past.

Fulton closed the gap to 21-14. But Shivers had a response. From the Fulton 36, he turned the corner and outran the field to extend the Bulldogs' lead. A crushing block by White helped spring Shiver free.

"He told me before the play that he had me covered," Shivers said.

Shivers had 103 yards on the night with 2 touchdowns. White also scored twice, rushing for 71. But it was Runge again putting the hurt on Fulton. He carried for 133 yards and recorded the touchdown that put the game out of reach.

Sims ran for 73.

Kanye Nunnelly was solid at the corner defensively. Matt McCurdy had an interception and almost picked another.

Mexico outscored Fulton 28-8 in the second half to bring the trophy home.

"We're the best second half team in the state," Haag observed.