By Stan Beall
The Star Herald
LEXINGTON —
The J. J. McClain Mustangs hosted the Ruleville Central Tigers last Friday night and came away with a hard-fought 20-12 victory.
The Mustangs had trailed 12-8 until the fourth quarter, when they found the end zone twice to secure the victory over the Tigers.
Neither team scored in the first period, but the Mustangs found pay dirt in the second quarter, Timothy Stewart scored and was successful on the two-point attempt as well to take an 8-0 lead.
The Tigers quickly countered, PAT failed, to pull within two-points of the Mustang lead, 8-6.
The Mustangs would take this lead into the half.
The Tigers came out roaring in the third quarter scoring another touchdown, PAT failed, to take a 12-8 lead while holding the Mustangs scoreless.
The fourth quarter arrived, and it was all Mustangs.
McClain found the end zone twice; both PAT’s no good, to take a 20-12 lead and the contest.
The Mustangs were led offensively by quarterback Rotavious Thurmond who was 3-12 passing for 76 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 56 yards.
Stewart had 10 carries for 54 yards and two touchdowns while converting a two-point run as well.
Tyron Lemon had three catches for 76 yards and a touchdown to round out the Mustangs offensively.
Defensively, Lemon with 12 tackles and a sack, Stewart with 11 tackles and a sack and Demarcus Waters with 10 tackles led the Mustangs.
The Mustangs are now 8-3 overall with a 3-2 record in region play.
McClain will host Belmont Friday night at 7 p.m. in the first round of the Class 3A State Playoffs.
