Perfection denied as Marion County downs Red Bay

RED BAY — It was a game many had anticipated for weeks with Red Bay’s stingy defense taking on a seemingly unstoppable Marion County offense.

Each shined for a half Friday night, but in the end Marion County’s offense proved too much as the Red Raiders won 42-33 to handed Red Bay its first loss of the season.

The Tigers got off to a great start, scoring on the opening drive of the game when Steven Wood rushed into the end zone from one yard out. The drive appeared to stall with Red Bay facing a fourth-and 23 situation, but quarterback Hunter Childers turned a busted play into a 23-yard scramble to move the Tigers close to the goal line.

Marion County’s first possession of the game did not go well, as the quarterback threw a bad pass which was tipped by a Red Bay defender and intercepted by another Tiger.

Red Bay capitalized on the turnover when Matt Belue scored on a 35-yard run to give the Tigers a 14-0 lead.

The Red Raider offense appeared to settle in on the next drive, but Red Bay forced another turnover and drove for another score to extend the lead to 21-0.

Marion County scored before halftime to cut the deficit to 21-6.

The second half belonged to Marion County as the Red Raiders outscored Red Bay 36-12.

Red Bay will return home next week to host LaFayette in the opening round of the playoffs.