Rebels Look Solid in Scrimmage with Tigers

McKENZIE (August 7) — The McKenzie High School Rebels hosted the Lexington Tigers Friday at Bethel University for their final home scrimmage of the preseason. The Rebels performed well on both sides of the ball for a one-score edge in the varsity portion of the scrimmage.

The teams alternated offense and defense, starting each drive at the 30 yard line with a guaranteed four plays per possession. "Soft" special teams plays, such as kickoffs, PATs and punts, were run with no contact to establish the game rhythm and get early reps for the units.

Lexington took the first possession and earned one first down before Rebel Aiden Essary made a fourth-down sack near midfield.

McKenzie's first drive started with good carries by Lelan Gordon and quarterback Cole Brown. Jayden Callis followed with solid runs to get to midfield. C. Brown threw to Avery Brown for a first down, then kept for another. Gordon made a short gain, then C. Brown connected with Jacobi Melton for 22 yards into the red zone. Callis punched it in from the 7, and Jony Hernandez hit the undefended PAT for a 7-0 Rebel lead.

The Tigers kept it on the ground for their second possession and scored a 55-yard touchdown on the third play. The PAT was good for a 7-7 tie.

Lexington retained possession back at their 30 to fulfill the guaranteed four plays. A 12-play scoring drive was capped by an 11-yard touchdown reception. A missed PAT made it 13-7.

The Rebels answered with an 11-play drive, including three completions from C. Brown to A. Brown. One was a fourth-down conversion in McKenzie territory, and another was a 19-yard touchdown pass that Avery had to strip away from a Tiger defender in mid-air in the end zone. Hernandez hit the PAT to put McKenzie ahead, 14-13.

Lexington went three-and-out on their final varsity possession. Rebel Maddox Shiell made a big tackle for a loss on third down, and the Tigers punted.

McKenzie's starters finished strong with a quick touchdown. Callis ran for 25 yards, breaking multiple tackles along the way, then caught a short toss from C. Brown for a 45-yard touchdown. Hernandez made it 3-for-3 on PATs, and the varsity portion of the scrimmage ended in a 21-13 Rebel advantage.

Lexington's junior varsity scored a 70-yard touchdown on the first snap, but stalled on two more JV drives.

McKenzie gave a variety of JV players touches, but failed to score in two lengthy possessions. Parker Ross and Seth Stafford split snaps at quarterback, while Bryson Smith and Zayden Webb each had carries. Malaki Harris, Jaden Blanton, Dierks Ghyers and Smith each had receptions.

The Rebels conclude their preseason Friday, August 14 with a one-hour scrimmage against McCracken County at 7 p.m. during the Henry County High School Jamboree.

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