Patriots drop Homecoming game to undefeated Lions

Marion ‘mental errors’ costly against Searcy

Marion School District The Marion Patriots (2-4 overall)(1-2 6A East) had their chances against the undefeated Searcy Lions (6-0)(3-0), but the Pats made too many mistakes to come away with a homecoming win. Dropped passes, turnovers and penalties have been a constant problem for a Patriots team that should be a lot better than their record indicates.

“The team that makes the least amount of mistakes wins,” Marion coach Keith Houston said. “We had some silly penalties tonight. For all of the mistakes we made tonight, we only lost by seven points to a good Searcy team. Just imagine what we could do if we limit all the mental errors.”

Searcy came into the game with one of the most potent offenses in the 6A, averaging 46 points per game and scoring 54 points against West Memphis the week before. Marion’s defense held the Lions to their lowest point total of the season in the 28-21 loss.

The first points of the game came from the Patriot defense on a heads-up play by junior defensive end Jaqualyn Daniel. Daniel batted a Lion pass attempt at the line of scrimmage to himself and took it to the endzone for a 54-yard pick-six.

However, Searcy’s offense did not seem deterred by the setback. The Lions went on a 28-0 run, giving them a three-touchdown lead early in the third quarter.

Marion senior running back Anthony Price found the endzone from six yards out before the end of the third quarter. Despite a rough three quarters, the Pats only trailed by two scores heading into the fourth quarter.

The Pats had a couple of good drives while their defense kept the Lions at bay, but each drive stalled because of dropped and incomplete passes. Marion quarterback Daedrick Cail finally connected with senior wide receiver Mari Cage for a nine-yard score with around a minute left in the game. Searcy recovered the following onside kick and got a first down to seal their sixth win of the season.

Cail completed 16 of his 30 passing attempts for 211 yards and a touchdown, but also threw two interceptions. Searcy quarterback Bryce Dixon completed 18 of his 27 passes for 261 yards and a touchdown.

Price carried the ball 20 times for 115 yards for an average of almost six yards per carry. The Lions rushed for three touchdowns and a combined 163 yards on the ground.

Up next for the Pats is a trip to Baxter County as they will attempt to spoil homecoming night for the Mountain Home Bombers (0-6)(0-3). Marion has won the last ten games against the Bombers.

Kickoff from Mountain Home on Friday, October 18 is scheduled for 7 p.m.

A live stream of the game will be available at marionpatriots. com or the Marion Patriots Athletics app.

KWYN 92.5FM will also cover the game.