It wasn’t pretty, fumbling four times Friday evening, but McLean County found a way to overcome an 18-point deficit to knock off Muhlenberg County 38-32 on the road. Ayden Rice rushed for 149 yards and three touchdowns, while Aden Bolden added two rushing scores.
“I was aggravated and frustrated for the first three quarters,” McLean County head coach Zach Wagner said. “But we need to praise and give them accolades for winning.”
Trailing 8-0 after allowing an early touchdown and a 2-point conversion, Bolden ripped off a 45-yard touchdown run with 8:05 left in the second quarter. McLean County went for 2 but was unsuccessful.
Trailing 24-6 with 2:50 left in the third quarter, Rice scored his first of three touchdowns and Bolden was successful on the 2-point conversion. Less than 5 minutes later, Bolden broke free for a 21-yard rushing touchdown. The ensuing 2-point attempt was good, cutting Muhlenberg County’s lead to 24-22.
Thanks to some key adjustments by McLean County’s defensive coordinator, the defense was stout in the fourth. With 5:22 left in the game, Rice scored his second touchdown, this one from 3 yards out, giving his team their first lead of the game, 30-24.
After being held in check for the majority of the second half, Muhlenberg County responded, taking a 32-30 lead with 1:41 left in the game, yet Wagner was unfazed.
“I knew that we would be able to march down the field,” Wagner said. “We did that all night when we hung onto the ball”.
At Muhlenberg County’s 14-yard-line, Rice broke through for his third rushing touchdown of the night and Bolden was successful on the 2-point attempt — securing McLean the victory.
Wagner believed his defense wavered at times and will focus the next week on making sure they will play soundly and responsibly. And the focus for his offense moving forward?
Ball security. Ball security. Ball security.
