STAFF REPORT
JASPER — A 20-point second quarter was more than Cascade could overcome in the regular season finale at Marion County on Friday night.
The Warriors (10-0, 4-0) piled up 261 yards on the ground and claimed the Region 4-2A championship with the 42-9 win over the Champions.
Cascade was without its go-to workhorse, Sawyer Lovvorn, and had to play running back by committee.
In total, Cascade piled up 114 yards of offense on the ground and was led by Brady Lewis, who rushed for 61 yards on 13 attempts.
Hayden Dowell added 44 yards on 14 carries.
Things appeared to start in Cascade’s favor as Marion County fumbled the ball into Cascade’s hands on the game’s opening drive.
While unable to find the end zone, Cascade still took advantage and struck first with a 43-yard Gabe Perez field goal to go up 3-0 with 6:30 left in the opening frame.
After Perez’ kick, the Warriors took total control of the game and scored 27-straight points, highlighted by a 20-point effort in the second quarter to take a 27-3 lead into the half.
Cascade eventually found the end zone in the third quarter on an 8-yard run by Hayden Dowell, but the conversion attempt after failed.
Following Dowell’s score, Marion County closed the game with two more touchdowns.
Even with the loss, Cascade still secured a third-place finish in the region and will qualify for the playoffs for the fourth-straight year.
Cascade draws No. 2 seed East Robertson (9-1) for the opening round of the Class 2A playoffs, which will be held on Friday night in Springfield.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Cascade 3 0 6 0 — 9
Marion Co. 7 20 8 7 — 42
First Quarter
C — Gabe Perez 43-yard field goal, 6:30.
MC — Ashton Martin 36 run, (Leo Polovin kick), 4:41.
Second Quarter
MC — Sam Picket 8 run, (Polovin kick), 4:37.
MC — EJ Wilson 10 run, (kick failed), 2:01.
MC — Luke Tipton 48 pass from Tilton Pickett, (Polovin kick), :37.
Third Quarter
C — Hayden Dowell 8 run, (2pt. pass failed), 10:09.
MC — Wilson 43 run, (Martin 2pt. pass from Tipton), 9:03.
Fourth Quarter
MC — Brody Leonard 4 run, (Polovin kick), 6:29.
