Mt. Vernon plays 'lights out' defense in Class 3A regional championship victory over West

FRISCO, Texas - The Mount Vernon Tigers (14-0) handled the West Trojans (13-1) in impressive fashion, beating them 24-13 in the Class 3A Division I Region II championship game on Friday night.

After a dominant first half that resulted in 10-0 halftime lead, Mt. Vernon surrendered a touchdown to West on the opening drive of the second half to suddenly make it a close game at 10-7.

But the Tigers quickly responded.

Quarterback Braden Bennett, who rushed for a touchdown, spoke on the team’s response to West’s score.

“It was definitely a playoff atmosphere,” he said. “But we’ve been working all week, working hard, making sure we made everything good and executed.

The Tigers benefited from the play of junior outside linebacker and running back Makenzie Mcgill as well, who sustained a game-ending injury late in the fourth.

He accounted for one of Mount Vernon’s touchdowns on a six-yard rush to increase their lead 17-7.

The Tigers’ defense was also stifling in the team’s victory, forcing multiple turnovers and a timely fumble late in the third which was returned for six to make the score 24-7.

Head coach Brad Willard spoke on the performance of the unit, holding high praise for their dominant outing.

"The key to that was our defense playing the same way they’ve played all year," he said. “Absolutely lights out, 11 kids flying to the ball and being the more physical team.”

He added on by looking ahead to the team’s next matchup and keys for success as Mount Vernon’s season continues.

“Our kids are really focused and narrow-minded,” he said. “We’ve had a one-game at a time approach this entire season so I think that’s going to continue.”

The Tigers will play the Brock Eagles (14-0) next week as they look to advance deeper into the state playoffs and keep their undefeated season alive.

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(All photos by Brian McLean)