The Malakoff Tigers built a 24-0 lead in the second quarter and it put them on the way to improve their record to 2-0 with a dominating win over the Mexia Blackcats Friday night.
Malakoff put points on the board early when the running of R.J. Carr scored on a one-yard run with 9:45 remaining in the first quarter. Equally impressive backup running back Keevie Rose matched Carr with a first quarter touchdown run near the end of the quarter and the Tiger 14-0 lead.
Rose would pull ahead of Carr in the touchdown total near the end of the first half. Following a Tiger field goal, Rose took off on a 10-yard jaunt for a commanding 24-0 lead.
On the kickoff, the Blackcats put it in high gear. Joshua Beachum took the kickoff and created a highlight kickoff return. He moved through the Tiger special teams for a 95-yard return and cut into the Tiger lead at 24-7. Ortiz would add a field goal as time expired from a distance of 37 yards and the Blackcats trailed 24-10 at the half.
Rose found the end zone to his liking and scored his third touchdown on a 14-yard run. The quarterback was silent until the second half. Darion Peace called his own number on a six-yard run and then connected with tight end Parker Busch on a pass and he rumbled to the end zone to complete a 59-yard score. Malakoff would add a field goal for the final points of the night and the Tigers came away with a 48-10 win.
Mexia should have their home stadium ready this week. The renovations to the field house, concession stand, and turf football field are near completion and the Blackcats will play at home for the first time. It will be homecoming for Mexia and they will welcome the Coldspring-Oakhurst Trojans to the new Blackcat Field.
