The ability of Tigers quarterback Isaac Danielson to strike deep proved fatal to the Bulldogs on Friday at Kirksville.
Despite carving up yardage on the ground, Mexico managed just one offensive …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, or you are a print subscriber who had access to our previous website, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you have not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
If you are a current print subscriber and did not have a user account on our previous website, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
The ability of Tigers quarterback Isaac Danielson to strike deep proved fatal to the Bulldogs on Friday at Kirksville.
Despite carving up yardage on the ground, Mexico managed just one offensive score. Meanwhile Danielson and his receivers reached the end zone from 31, 65 and 27 yards out on their way to a 28-14 win.
Only twice did the Bulldogs reverse Kirksville's aerial rhythm, and the first time put Mexico on the board.
Down 14-0 in the second quarter, Anthony Shivers stepped in front of his man at the goal line and sprinted coast to coast for a pick six. Andrew Runge tacked on the extra point and the Bulldogs were in the ballgame.
On several occasions Mexico came close to clamping down and turning things around. Michael White recovered a Kirksville fumble on the goal line in the first quarter, but the Bulldogs couldn't capitalize.
A Matt McCurdy sack put the hosts in a hole, forcing a punt that led to Mexico's second score. From the Tigers 40, quarterback Ty Sims turned to the elusive Shivers, who broke free and outran the field to make it 21-14.
Yet more often than not, a defensive stand was foiled by Danielson's arm.
In the second quarter with the score at 13-7 in favor of Kirksville and the ball on Mexico's 27, Shivers broke up a pass intended for Jaden Ballinger in the end zone. On the next snap, Kanye Nunnelly -- who would claim a fourth quarter interception -- knocked the ball away from Drew Chrisman.
On fourth and 10, however, Danielson connect with Chrisman on a short toss that turned into six points.
Meanwhile the Bulldogs were grinding out yards to little avail. Sims carried for 108. Shivers picked up 73 on 12 attempts. Runge covered 61 yards and White 47 for a total of 289 yards and 16 first downs on the ground.
They dominated time of possession 36 minutes to 12 for the hosts.
But the Bulldogs lost two fumbles and committed eight penalties, costing 62 yards. And Danielson was most efficient when it counted, converting 3 of 3 on fourth down.
