Early barrage holds up for Marianna versus Blountstown

MARIANNA — Marianna rolled out to a 28-0 second-quarter lead and held off a second-half surge from previously unbeaten Blountstown for the victory.

Fidel Montgomery paced the early going with a fumble recovery for a touchdown and two rushing scores to give Marianna a 28-0 lead before Blountstown’s Leon Broxton hauled in a 4-yard pass from P.J. Buggs on the last play of the half. Broxton, Princeton Grant and Jawon Mosley all scored on short runs in the second half for the Tigers.

Chris Bowers, the game’s leading rusher with 110 yards, had two touchdowns to cap Marianna’s scoring in the second half. Marianna (4-3) rushed 43 times for 307 yards and didn’t attempt a pass.

Broxton led Blountstown (5-1) with 68 yards rushing and Buggs was 7 of 22 for 82 yards, a TD and two interceptions.

Blountstown hosts Port St. Joe, while Marianna entertains Chipley next week.