SPRINGFIELD, MO — The Fighting Irish hosted state ranked Mt. Vernon on a Friday night that felt like fall with great football weather. Both teams traded punches to start the game but couldn't get anything going and the score at the end of the first was 0-0. However, Mt. Vernon was able to strike first and went up 7-0 about half way through the second. Mt. Vernon threatened to score again, but Hunter Puckett came up with a field goal block. Tyson Riley then ended their hopes of scoring at the end of the half with an INT.

The Irish came out after halftime focused and went to work right away when Isiah Whitely recovered the Irish kick, which eventually led to a Riley to Lincoln Jones touchdown pass to make it 7-7. When the Mountaineers got the ball back Peyton James ended their drive with an INT that set up another Riley to Jones scoring pass to make it 14-7 Irish. The Irish had other opportunities, but could not turn it into points. Mt. Vernon was able to score with about 3 minutes left but could not convert the PAT to make it 14-13. The Irish drive stalled, and the Mountaineers got good field position, and were able to kick at a field goal with 5 seconds left to make it 16-14. This was a great game with two good teams, and we may see them again down the road. The Irish travel to Marshfield next Friday to start conference play.

Scoring Plays
2Q – 7:51 – MVHS – Robinson (1-yd run); Buttram kick
3Q – 7:41 – SCHS – Riley to Jones (12-yd pass); Crain kick
3Q – 3:40 – SCHS – Riley to Jones (39-yd pass); Crain kick
4Q – 3:24 – MVHS – Boswell to Shipman (21-yd pass); 2-pt fail
4Q – :5.2 – MVHS – Buttram (26-yd FG)