DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY/dewayne@mcnews.online
HOT SPRINGS – Mount Ida jumped out to a 37-14 lead in the first half Friday night and ran the clock for most of the second half in a 50-22 victory over the Cutter Morning Star Eagles.
Baylor Bates rushed for three touchdowns to lead the Lions offense. Jack Hoeksema scored on the ground and in the air while Jacob Woodfield and Caleb White each scored a touchdown for the Lions.
Cutter Morning Star took the opening drive deep in Lion territory, but Mount Ida was able to force a turnover on their own 10 yard line. Mount Ida drove the ball 90 yards in 15 plays to score on a two yard run by Bates. John Hoeksema hit the PAT to give the Lions a seven point lead with 4:17 to go in the first quarter.
The Eagles struck quickly, capping a three play drive with a one yard run by quarterback Sam Moore. Cutter Morning Star lined up in the swinging gate on the two point conversion and converted with a pass to Clayton Weldon to take their only lead of the night.
Mount Ida was able to reclaim the lead wit 39 seconds left in the first quarter on a 17 yard run by Bates. Gavin Summitt carried the ball in on the two point conversion to give the Lions a 15-8 lead.
Chandler Perkins recovered an Eagle fumble on the Eagle 25 one play into the second quarter to give the Lions a short field. Five plays later Bates carried the ball into the end zone for the third time on a four yard run. He got the call on the two point conversion to give the Lions a 23-8 lead with 9:33 left in the first half.
Jacob Woodfield found the end zone for Mount Ida from three yards out. He carried the two point conversion in to boost the Lion lead to 31-8.
Cutter Morning Star was able to score late in the first half on a 23 yard Moore pass to Weldon. The two point conversion failed and the Lions lead stood at 31-14.
Mount Ida wasn’t through in the first half. AJ Perez took the ensuing kick off deep into Eagle territory before being tackled on the Cutter Morning Star 25. Three plays later tJack Hoeksema scored on a 23 yard run to increase the Lion lead to 37-14 with 15 seconds left in the half.
The Lions opened the second half with a nine play 47 yard drive that ended in another score. Jack Hoeksema bounced the ball between his hands before gaining control and running into the end zone for a 22 yard touchdown reception.
Mount Ida was able to get the clock rolling thanks to the sportsmanship rule with a three yard run by Caleb White with 3:37 left in the third quarter. John Hoeksema hit the PAT to give the Lions a 50-14 lead.
Cutter Morning Star responded with an 18 yard pass to Landon Watson for an 18 yard touchdown. Moore connected with Keshawn Blevins to cut the Lions lead to 28.
Mount Ida was able to hold on to win the game 50-22.
Mount Ida moves to 4-5 record and 2-1 in conference play. They will close out the regular season schedule next Friday at Gurdon, who currently holds the top spot in the 5-2A. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m.
Mount Ida will have a bye week in Week 10 and have a good chance at entering the playoffs as a three seed from the 5-2A. If they are able to earn the three seed they will host a first round game.
