A two-week layoff for the Tigers had them ready to rumble Friday night against district rival Texas High. Mount Pleasant’s bye week plus a Covid-related game cancellation by an opponent gave the Tigers extended rest and prep time for their much-anticipated district opener. The result however was not what the black and gold had in mind as Texas High pulled away in the second half to knock off Mount Pleasant.

After Mount Pleasant’s opening drive stalled at midfield, Texas High opened the scoring with an 82-yard score up the gut to make the score 7-0. The Tigers would answer on the ensuing kickoff as senior Will Hills took the ball 99 yards to paydirt. The ensuing extra point was blocked, and Texas High returned it all the way to endzone for two more points to make the score 9-6 Texas High. The Tiger defense would hold on the next possession before Edward Wilder rumbled off a 45-yard touchdown run down the right sideline to put the Tigers in front 13-9. Texas High would respond with a time-consuming drive that stretched into the second quarter resulting in a 3-yard touchdown plunge to put them back on top 14-13. Even with the Texas High quarterback being ejected late in the second quarter, the Tigers would never recover as Texas High went on to score 35 unanswered points holding Mount Pleasant scoreless in the second half. Turnovers and penalties would prove to be insurmountable as the Tigers would cough up four turnovers on the night.

Wilder was one of the few bright spots on the night carrying the ball 8 times for 139 yards and the one touchdown. Miller McCrumby led the Tiger receiving corps with 4 catches for 96 yards. Quarterback Layne Pinckard had a night to forget going 7 for 17 for 99 yards with three interceptions and one fumble. On the defensive side, Anthony Jeffery led the Tigers with 16 tackles including 10 solo tackles. Nick Chappell followed up with 9 tackles and Baron Stephens recorded 2 sacks. Senior defensive lineman Tre Emory returned to the field recording his first sack of the season but had to leave the game early with a shoulder injury.

Mount Pleasant (1-3, 0-1) will host Whitehouse (0-4, 0-1) this Friday at Sam Parker Field with kickoff set for 7:30 PM. Whitehouse is coming off a 28-19 loss to Nacogdoches last week. Homecoming festitivities will start around 7:00 PM as homecoming was postponed last week due to the game cancellation. Tickets for the game can be purchased online at www.mpisd.net/athletic-tickets.

 

By Drew Barkley
Photos by John Whitten and Michele Caldero

Photo 1 – Edward Wilder finds the edge and springs up field.
Photo 2 – Miller McCrumby goes up to snag the pass.
Photo 3 – Tre Emory makes the tackle.