The Mendon Hornets entered Thursday’s game with Marcellus with an opportunity to even up Martin atop the SWMFL-I standings. The Clippers were off this week, leaving an opportunity for Mendon to improve their conference record to 3-0 prior to the big match-up next week. The Hornets did exactly that, dominating Marcellus 54-23.
In the first quarter, Mendon got out to a hot start. Evan Lukeman got the Hornets on the scoreboard in the first 48 seconds, reeling off a 75-yard sprint to the end zone. Two minutes of game time later, it was Lukeman again, this time a 41-yard dash to paydirt. Chris Dupree added two two-point conversions, and Mendon took a 16-0 lead.
The lead extended in the second quarter, as the Hornets scored the first two touchdowns of the frame. Gabe Haigh was on the receiving end of Mendon’s second passing touchdown of the year, catching a 25-yard pass from Dupree for a score. Lukeman would find the end zone for a third time, though this also came as a catch from Dupree.
Marcellus finally found the end zone with two minutes left in the first half. Travis Marsh powered across the goal line from three yards out to snap the scoreless drought. Just nineteen seconds later, Mendon wrapped up the first half scoring with a 56-yard touchdown run by Chris Dupree. This gave the Hornets a 38-6 halftime lead.
Travis Marsh got the second half scoring started, as the Wildcats’ star bolted for a 57-yard score. Evan Lukeman would respond with his fourth touchdown of the game, moving the score to 46-13 in favor of the Hornets with one quarter to go.
Marcellus won the final quarter by a narrow 10-8 margin. Cordell Jones-McNally got things started with an impressive 39-yard field goal boot. Connor Oatley responded with a 6-yard touchdown carry for Mendon. Finally, Travis Marsh scored his third rushing touchdown of the game to finish off the night.
Mendon outgained Marcellus 490-280 in this victory. The Hornets rushed for 345 yards, an attack led by Evan Lukeman’s 187 yards on 10 carries. Chris Dupree added 114 yards on 9 carries, and he completed all five of his passes for an additional 145 yards. Carter Wilczynski (67) and Gabe Haigh (57) led the receivers for Mendon. On defense, Connor Oatley (10 tackles) and Isaiah Ibison (17 tackles) set the tone.
Travis Marsh provided the bulk of the offense for Marcellus. He had 22 carries, rushing for 163 yards.
With this win, Mendon improves to 5-1, and 3-0 in the SWMFL-I. Next week, a share of the conference title is on the line, as the Hornets will take on Martin. Marcellus, now 3-3 on the year, will take on Blanchard Montabella in a non-conference battle.
