Jamboree a Good Final Test for Rebels

PARIS (August 14) — McKenzie High School traveled Friday to participate in the annual Henry County High School Football Jamboree, where the Rebels faced the McCracken County Mustangs for a two-quarter scrimmage with no contact on special teams plays.

McKenzie scored twice, once early and once late, but a tough Mustangs team scored four times in between for a 28-14 win.

The Rebels took first possession, starting at the far 30. Lelan Gordon ran for six, then quarterback Cole Brown kept for 44 yards. Jayden Callis gained three, then C. Brown kept for six. On third-and-one, Callis rushed for seven and a first-and-goal at the 4. C. Brown tossed to Avery Brown for a short loss, then Cole was stopped for another loss. An offsides penalty against McCracken County moved the ball to the 3, and Callis punched it in. Jony Hernandez kicked the undefended PAT, and McKenzie led 7-0 with just under eight minutes to play in the first quarter.

The Mustangs found a gap on their first snap for a 70-yard touchdown. A good kick tied the game at 7-7.

The Rebels couldn’t get traction on their second drive and went three-and-out, but McCracken County did the same.

McKenzie started at their 35 with a 17-yard pass from Cole to Avery. Cole then found Aiden Carrington for 14 and another first down. A penalty backed up the Rebels, but Cole threw to Parker Ross for 29 yards to the 11. After a delay of game penalty, Cole found Jacobi Melton for four yards. The Mustangs jumped offside, then Cole threw incomplete. Callis was stopped short of the first down, then Cole was stopped on a fourth-down keeper at the 4. The senior QB also suffered a superficial injury that would sideline him for the remainder of the contest.

Taking over deep in their own red zone, McCracken County gained 36 on a completed pass. The drive stalled, and the Mustangs punted as the quarter ended.

The Rebels went three-and-out again to start the second frame.

The Mustangs scored on two plays, the latter a 52-yard touchdown reception. Another good PAT gave McCracken County a 14-7 lead with under ten minutes to play.

On McKenzie’s first snap, freshman quarterback Seth Stafford was intercepted for a Mustang touchdown. The PAT gave McCracken County a 21-7 lead.

Callis gave the Rebels a good start with a first-down run, but the drive stalled.

McCracken County scored on six plays, and the kick made it 28-7 with four minutes remaining.

The Rebels answered with their own six-play scoring drive. Ross ran for nine, and Callis converted a fourth-down. Callis followed with a 30-yard gain into the red zone, the Gordon punched it in from the 7. Hernandez kicked again, and McKenzie trailed 28-14 with a minute and a half to play.

The Mustangs managed four plays before time expired.

McKenzie’s regular season begins Friday, August 21 at Huntingdon. Kickoff is 7 p.m.