Hosting Pillow Academy in its Homecoming and regular season home finale, Magnolia Heights shook off a scoreless first quarter to earn a 31-10 victory against the Mustangs.
MHS moved to 8-2 on the season and 3-0 in district play, while Pillow Academy dropped to 2-7 overall and 0-4 against district competition.
Although the Chiefs moved the ball in the first quarter, neither team was able to come up with any points. It wasn’t until the 9:52 mark of the second quarter that Magnolia Heights hit the jackpot, as a 23-yard pass from Cole Prosek to Trace Hartzog set up a 51-yard wide open scoring strike to Brayden Buford.
With a 7-0 lead, the Chiefs’ defense kept the Mustangs off the board, and MHS would add to its lead on the next possession. After Prosek connected with Hayden Jones on a deep 43-yard pass, Jones would follow with a 21-yard touchdown reception, pushing the Chiefs’ lead to 14-0.
Magnolia Heights tried to reach the end zone midway through the third quarter, but penalties sent the Chiefs one step forward and two steps back after crossing midfield. Despite the miscues, junior kicker Cash Jackson drilled a 32-yard field goal, stretching the lead to 17-0 with 4:19 left in the quarter.
After Pillow Academy finally reached the end zone late in the third quarter, Magnolia Heights answered back on the other end of the field early in the fourth, thanks to a short keeper from Prosek. The quarterback’s touchdown made it a 24-7 advantage for the Chiefs.
Pillow Academy marched downfield again, but could only muster up a field goal. Leading 24-10 with 3:08 left in regulation, Prosek hit the Mustangs with the dagger on a 16-yard rushing score, bringing the Chiefs’ lead to 31-10.
Next up for MHS is the regular season finale at Starkville Academy, scheduled for Friday at 7 P.M. The Vols (4-5) are coming off a 30-27 win against Heritage Academy.
