Saxony Lutheran grinds out win in season opener

JACKSON, Mo. (Heartland News) - Defense dominated, and Saxony Lutheran used that to its advantage, with the Crusaders holding New Madrid County Central to just one score in an 18-6 victory.

Friday’s contest was the opening week for all schools in Missouri, but NMCC and Saxony had crossed paths a week prior in the Sikeston jamboree.

But offenses showed out in the jamboree, but it was a struggle to get anything going early on the evening. An Ozzie Turner one-handed snag was the lone highlight in the first, but his teammate Alan Rudd would deliver another in the second.

Rudd broke free and clear of the Eagles, surging down the sideline to send Saxony into the lead, 6-0.

Minutes later, however, NMCC responded, Marcus Grandberry capping off the touchdown drive with a short run to the outside.

That remained the score until a late second quarter drive led Kai McDowell to paydirt, the Crusaders quarterback rushing it in himself late to make it 12-6.

Finally in the fourth quarter, the Crusaders got an offensive spark, set up by several strong defensive stands.

McDowell scampered and scrambled for big yardage, eventually scoring a few plays later on a quarterback keeper.

McDowell would finish 10/20, with 106 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Rudd would account for 188 yards on the ground on 22 carries.

There’s plenty to fix for both sides, a near-couple dozen penalty flags being thrown on the night. But it’s early, and there’s time for adjustments.

New Madrid County Central stays on the road next week to face Caruthersville, while Saxony goes on the road to face Portageville.