Warriors fall to Golden Tide, 34-7

photo Marion County's Alex Kirkendoll (17) dives to tackle Peabody quarterback Kendrick Malone (7) while teammate Bradley Baxter (9) closes in. The Marion County Warriors lost to the Peabody Golden Tide, 34-7, in the TSSAA Class 2A state football championship at Tennessee Tech University's Tucker Stadium in Cookeville, Tenn.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - Playing in the TSSAA Class 2A state final, Marion County's football team was on the cusp of making 2014 a dream season. But things quickly turned nightmarish Saturday at Tennessee Tech.

Peabody registered a three-and-out on the game's first series, then had a 29-yard punt return set up a 43-yard scoring drive barely more than two minutes into the game. The Golden Tide remained unrelenting throughout and defeated the Warriors 34-7 for their first state championship.

Many of Marion County's woes were directly connected to Peabody quarterback Kendrick Malone. With the running plays designed for him, him keeping the ball on read options and his scrambling when pass plays broke down, Malone dazzled his way for 180 yards on 25 carries. He was also 7-of-8 passing for 62 yards and was selected most valuable offensive player of the game.

Peabody running back Brandon Johnson totaled 66 yards on 15 carries, but he and Malone were tackled behind the line of scrimmage for 32 yards in losses. The Warriors had chances to drop them for more, but Malone in particular displayed remarkable escapability.

photo Marion County's Blake Zeman (1) rolls off the tackle of Peabody's Xavier Ball (23) to score the Warriors only touchdown in their 35-7 loss to the Golden Tide Saturday at Tennessee Tech University's Tucker Stadium in Cookeville.

"You can't arm tackle," Marion County senior defensive end Hayden Tudors said. "That cost us a little bit."

The first of Malone's three rushing touchdowns in the first half came at the 9:52 mark of the first quarter from 34 yards. He added a 52-yard scoring run later in the period.

"I think the seven was big, but another seven hurt big time," Marion County coach Ricky Ross said. "I think it probably took us a little more time to get adjusted than we wanted or expected. We figured it was going to take a little to get adjusted. Once we got adjusted, we played pretty good."

The Warriors had a run-only drive from their 23 to Peabody's 24 late in the half but failed to convert a fourth-and-3 at the end and trailed 21-0 at the half.

"Those guys have got a really good football team or they wouldn't be here," Peabody coach Ricky Woods said. "I didn't think 21 points would win it."

Again sticking exclusively with its ground game, Marion County (12-2) put together a touchdown drive on its first possession of the second half. However, the Golden Tide answered with an eight-play, 80-yard march that culminated at 3:55 of the third quarter with Malone's fourth rushing touchdown.

"That was very important because it took seven minutes off the clock, or six minutes," Woods said. "The time was about more important than the points."

The Warriors hurt their chances of a fourth-quarter comeback by committing three of their four turnovers in the final period.

Xavier Ball, who was chosen defensive player of the game after making 10 tackles, intercepting a pass, causing two fumbles and recovering one, got in the game late as a reserve running back. He added the final touchdown for Peabody (13-2) on a 1-yard run with 1:14 to play.

Blake Zeman capped his Marion County career with a 133-yard performance on 28 rushes. He scored the Warriors' touchdown from the 5, had a 22-yard catch and also led them with seven solo tackles.

Fellow senior Blake Brooks contributed 67 yards on eight carries.

"Our leaders led us," Ross said of the season. "We've got a great senior class. They did everything we asked them to do. They worked hard. They stayed committed. If they continue to do that, they're going to be successful in their lives."

Sophomore linebacker Alex Kirkendoll was one of three Warriors with six solo tackles and two assists, and one of his tackles was in the backfield. He echoed his coach.

"We couldn't ask for better seniors," Kirkendoll said. "It was a heck of an experience. I'd go to battle with these guys any time. It was a heck of a go, and a heck of a season. I enjoyed it."

After going through the handshake line at the end, the Warriors returned to their sideline to one last loud ovation from the hundreds of purple-clad fans who made the trip.

"We've had a great crowd all year," Zeman said. "One hundred percent of the time they were behind us, like I knew they would be. They've supported us through all of our ups and downs. I wouldn't trade our community for anybody else's."

Contact Kelley Smiddie at ksmiddie@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6653. Follow him at twitter.com/KelleySmiddie.

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