MMS overcomes errors, tops Wakulla

The Marianna Middle School Bullpups overcame a sloppy performance Thursday night to take a 28-8 victory over Wakulla at Bulldog Stadium.

The Bullpups (6-0) won despite six turnovers — five fumbles and an interception — on the strength of 320 rushing yards and another dominant defensive effort.

MMS got touchdown runs of 32 yards from Shaundre McAroy and 15 yards from Jock Wooden in the second quarter to take the early lead.

Wooden converted both two-point plays for a 16-0 halftime advantage.

The Bullpups extended the advantage with two more scores in the third period.

Derrick Knowles scored from 19 yards on MMS’ second possession of the half, and McAroy added a 65-yard TD run later to take a 28-0 edge.

McAroy led the Bullpups with 155 rushing yards on nine carries, while Wooden added 102 yards on nine rushes.

Knowles rushed for 54 yards on six carries.

In a season of consistently sharp performances, this was an unusually uneven effort for the Bullpups.

However, MMS coach Hunter Nolen said he was proud of the way his team persevered.

“We just came out a little flat,” the coach said. “It was the first time we were on the radio, so I don’t know if we got a little scared. We just didn’t play that good.

“But we battled back and picked up a victory. We still beat a good football team.”

Nolen said he was most-impressed with his team’s mood after the game, which was atypical for most teams coming off of a 20-point win.

“They were still upset with how they performed, and that shows a lot of character,” the coach said. “They want to improve, which is always a good sign.”

While the Bullpups’ offense had its share of ups and downs, the defense was as dominant as usual, limiting Wakulla to just 133 total yards.

“The defense has always been there and played pretty good,” Nolen said. “They were real solid again (Thursday night).”

The Bullpups were coming off of an emotional victory over Riversprings Oct. 6, and Nolen said he was concerned coming into Thursday night’s game about a hangover.

“We were trying not to let down from the big win over Riversprings, but Wakulla just came out ready to play,” the coach said. “I take my hat off to them.”

The Bullpups have a short week before their next game against Florida High Tuesday in Tallahassee at 6 p.m. local time.

The game will be on the radio on 94. 1 FM, and it can also be found on the internet at http://www.wtys.cc.

After Tuesday’s game, the Bullpups will play a bowl game Oct. 29 against the winner of Taylor County and Jefferson County.