Marion first-year head coach Claude Johnson has been adamant that his team was on the verge of an offensive breakout.
Last Friday night, his prediction came to life.
Johnson’s Patriots rolled up a season-high 451 yards, featuring 247 in the air and 191 on the ground, in a 42-21 victory over Crittenden County rival West Memphis inside Southern Bancorp Stadium.
“The other night was the type of performance that we’ve been building towards,” said Johnson, who was Little Rock Parkview’s offensive coordinator for three straight Class 5A state championships, 2022-2024. “The offensive line let us pass when we needed to, run it on critical downs, and when you can run the ball when you need to, it really opens things up in the passing world. The West Memphis game was our offense finally all working together and complementing the other aspects.”
Marion’s offensive line against West Memphis consisted of left tackle Walt Tucker, Jr., left guard Juan Amaya, center Sam Gibbs, right guard Draylon Thompson, and right tackle Nick Beale, with Jarrett Selvy deploying at tight end/sniffer back.
The Pats’ six key blockers sprung senior tailback Kam Riley free for the game’s first touchdown, a 31-yard scamper late in the second quarter, that gave Marion a 6-0 lead at halftime.
Riley added a 40-yard TD run that gave his team the lead for good late in the third period. A Dadrien Love 22-yard scoring scamper gave Marion a 28-14 edge early in the fourth, and the offensive line moved West Memphis off the line of scrimmage with a minute left in regulation, paving the way for Ben Bateman to score a 1-yard TD to cap the scoring.
“We need to be able to run the football downhill,” said Johnson. “When you’re able to move guys and run the ball effectively, it opens up so much in the passing game. You can do it the other way (pass to set up the run), but this is the way I believe in.”
Marion’s success on the ground allowed Bateman to complete passes to five receivers, including senior Chase Davis, who came up with the most productive game in his career, catching six passes for 126 yards and a breathtaking 65-yard touchdown reception on third down to give Marion a 35-21 advantage.
Bateman also connected with senior Jaylon Ford on an 80-yard TD toss that gave Marion a 13-7 lead in the third period.
Marion hopes to build on its offensive momentum this week when the Patriots visit Jonesboro, a team that the Pats are competing with for playoff positioning.
“This is going to be a hungry team; they know the stakes just like we do,” said Johnson. “They’ve been in some fights; nobody has beaten them bad at all. They just haven’t had the ball bounce their way just yet, but they’re a big, talented team.”
Marion’s victory last week over West Memphis moved the Patriots into the playoff picture, tied with El Dorado for fifth place, but El Dorado has the head-to-head tiebreaker by virtue of a 31-7 victory over Marion on October 2.
A Patriot victory at Jonesboro would move Marion to 2-2 in the 6A East standings, two games clear of Jonesboro with three to play.
“This is a big game even if there was no bearing on the standings,” said Johnson. “It’s going to feel like a rivalry. It’s not a far drive for our fans and parents. They have a good home crowd up there, and it’s two teams that need a win.”
HOW TO WATCH
Kickoff at Jonesboro is scheduled for 7 p.m., and if you can not make the game at Cooksey-Johns Field, you can watch the contest for free on the Marion Patriots Activities Network YouTube channel.