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NMCC earns first win as Eagles prey on Hawks
NEW MADRID, Mo. — New Madrid County Central clinched its first victory of the season with a commanding 47-14 win over Kelly on Saturday, Sep. 28.
The story of the game was not just the final score, but the collective effort and selflessness that drove the Eagles (1-4, 1-2 SEMO Central) to the triumph.
“Starting 0-4 is never fun,” said NMCC coach Tyler Fullhart. “We had a tough stretch to start the season and we just tried to preach to the guys to keep going, executing and trying to get better. They came out today and put it all together in some of the nastiest conditions imaginable. I’m extremely proud of them and we all feel good.”
NMCC wasted no time in establishing its dominance. Malakhi Hughes set the tone with a 19-yard touchdown run, giving the team an early 6-0 lead. Shortly after, Charlie Resonno extended the lead to 14-0 with a 19-yard touchdown run, leaving just 45.3 seconds on the clock in the first quarter.
The Hawks (2-3, 1-1 SEMO Central) attempted to respond, but Ja'Kwon Jones intercepted a pass in the endzone, halting the scoring threat and preserving the Eagles’ momentum.
Kelly did manage to get on the scoreboard when Griffin Pass recovered a fumble in the endzone, narrowing the lead to 14-6 with 5:36 left in the second quarter.
However, Resonno quickly dampened any hopes of a comeback with two more rushing touchdowns before halftime. His 22-yard run with 2:18 left in the second quarter and a 1-yard run just seconds before the break extended NMCC’s lead to 27-6 at halftime.
These crucial plays not only padded the Eagles’ lead but also set a dominant tone for the rest of the game.
“We challenged the offensive line early in the week and told everybody we were probably not throwing the football,” Fullhart said. “Kelly has a great ground game. They love to run power and they run it really well. We knew we had to step up the physicality. They bought in and answered the call.”
The second half saw NMCC continue to build to the lead. Jones opened the third quarter with an 11-yard touchdown run, making it 34-6.
On Kelly’s next drive, Zach Gamblin delivered a pivotal sack on fourth down, forcing a turnover on downs.
“Our defense has been real good all year long,” Fullhart said. “We had some great play on all three levels. We just need to keep them rolling.”
The Eagles capitalized on this opportunity, with Jones breaking free for a 35-yard touchdown run, increasing the lead to 41-6 and inflicting the mercy rule.
Erik Tilmon added the final touchdown for NMCC with a 19-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 47-6 with 3:12 left in the third quarter.
Despite the lopsided score, the Hawks managed to end the game on a positive note with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Skyler Still to Grant Burleson.
Resonno finished the game with 22 carries for 186 yards and three touchdowns, while Jones rushed six times for 104 yards and two touchdowns.
“We all know they have what it takes,” Fullhart said. “They trusted the offensive line and were a little bit more patient.”
Next Friday, NMCC is on the road at Kennett (0-5, 0-2 SEMO Central), while Kelly hosts No. 3 ranked Dexter (5-0, 2-0 SEMO Central).