The Concord Yellow Jackets faced off with Merrill in a non-league game on Friday night. It was a back-and-forth affair. Concord emerged with a pair of late touchdowns, giving the ‘Jackets a 28-20 victory.
The first half of this game was even. Both teams found the end zone once in this contest. For Concord, it was a defensive effort that resulted in the score. Ja’Vion Taylor stepped in front of Merrill’s pass and raced 91 yards to the end zone. Missed conversions left this game tied at 6.
In the third quarter, Concord jumped in front. Mark File took to the air, pairing up with Jacob Cook on a 73-yard passing toss. File proceeded to toss a two-point conversion to Mekhi Wingfield that gave the ‘Jackets a 14-6 lead.
Merrill began the fourth quarter with a pair of touchdowns. The Vandals got two rushing touchdowns, carries of 5 and 42 yards. As a result of their scores, Merrill held a 20-14 advantage.
Concord responded with another passing score from Mark File. File found an open TJ Allen, a 16-yard connection. Allen completed the octopus, as he also brought in the two-point conversion pass. Mark File provided the insurance for Concord, as he tossed his third touchdown. File found Wingfield on a 10-yard touchdown.
Mark File was effective under center, completing 15/28 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns. Ja’Vion Taylor added a team-high 26 rushing yards to his interception touchdown. Mekhi Wingfield paced the receiving corps with an 107 yard effort. Logan Lamb paced Concord’s defense with an 18-tackle evening.
Next week, Concord (3-5) will conclude their regular season against Oakland Christian. Merrill (4-4) wraps up their regular season against Baldwin.
