East Marion (3-4, 2-1) strengthened its playoff resume Friday night in Hattiesburg considerably with a 45-0 blowout victory over Sacred Heart.
The Eagles were firing on all cylinders from their rushing attack to their pass defense. East Marion needed just 20 carries to rack up 275 rushing yards and had four players — Wanya Cook, Devin Daniels, Lawrence Lambert and Latrell Waller — combine for five touchdowns on the ground.
Eagles senior Flenard McLin also had a noteworthy game, intercepting three passes, which makes him the county leader this season with five. His efforts went a long way in securing the Eagles’ second shutout in three weeks, along with Michael Wilson, who had five tackles, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
The win will likely go a long way in securing the Eagles a return trip to the playoffs. With four spots available in Region 4-1A, East Marion joins Stringer, Lumberton and Resurrection Catholic with two district victories, while Mount Olive has one and Sacred Heart and Salem are winless.
A break from district action is on the horizon for the Eagles, however, as they return home to host former East Marion coach Anthony Dillon and North Forrest (4-4). North Forrest has three common opponents with East Marion so far this season with similar results — a blowout win over Sacred Heart and lopsided losses to Columbia and Lumberton.
North Forrest’s offense begins and ends with senior quarterback Leon Jones, who has thrown for 908 yards and 12 touchdown to just two interceptions and rushed for a team-high 628 yards and six touchdowns. Eric Robinson is Jones’ favorite target in the passing game with 425 yards and eight touchdowns receiving, and three other receivers sit between 163 and 171 yards.
North Forrest also boasts two key playmakers on defense — Rashad Travis and Tra’Jen Anderson. Travis has 54 tackles and five sacks, while Anderson has 42 tackles and five interceptions.
East Marion head coach Kevin Jackson could not be reached for comment.
Pictured Above: East Marion's Flenard McLin had three interceptions vs. Sacred Heart. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
