Marianna no match for top-ranked Madison County

MADISON - The football program at Madison County High School may not have the notoriety of California's De La Salle or the volume of talent at Miami Northwestern, but it has a win streak of 23 games after a 35-0 victory over Marianna in a 2A regional semifinal game Friday night at Boot Hill Stadium.

The Cowboys (10-0), USA Today's No. 9 team in the nation, did as they always do - play stout defense and ride the legs of their two star tailbacks to victory.

Senior power back Cory Akins rushed 13 times for 149 yards and three touchdowns and the elusive Chris Thompson scored on a 35-yard sweep to get Madison County out to a 21-0 lead at halftime.

"I think our coaches do a fantastic job of preparing our kids," Madison coach Frankie Carroll said. "Our kids execute what they've been taught all week and I think that's the key - and they love to play football.

"We're going to be who we are and we're going to do what we do. A lot of teams get in the playoffs and try to do different things. We're just going to run the football and play hard defense."

Sophomore quarterback Kelvin Singletary opened the scoring with an 18-yard run up the middle with six minutes remaining in the first quarter. Akins increased the lead to 35-0 with two quick third-quarter touchdowns.

Marianna opened the second half with an onside kick, but after a Cowboy recovery Akins rumbled 51-yards for a touchdown. Less than five minutes later, Akins punched in a touchdown from 8 yards.

The Cowboy defense recorded their fourth shutout of the season. Senior defensive tackle Jacobbi McDaniel, slowed by a minor ankle injury, finished the game with only two tackles, but linebacker Justin Hampton helped lead a charge that swarmed Marianna running back Bradley Battles.

Battles came into the game with 1,675 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, but was held to 75 yards on 24 carries. Hampton finished with 13 tackles and a pass break-up.
Marianna ended 8-3.

"It's a credit to the kids we have," said Bulldog head coach Rob Armstrong of their winning season. "We've got good kids and they play hard, and they do everything you ask of them. I'm real proud of them."

Madison County plays either Fort White or Pensacola Catholic in the Region 1-2A final next week.