It was a rerun of a movie that Mav fans have been watching for a quarter of a century Friday night as Marshall hosted long-time rival Longview to Maverick Stadium.
The 6A Lobos have dominated the series since 2001, winning 23 of the last 24 games. The lone Maverick victory game in 2015. Before that, you have to go back to the 2000 season.
Through the last 24 seasons......Marshall has traditionally jumped out to an early lead in the game to see a close competitive game at the half.
However the second half generally sees the Lobos pull away for a blow out victory.
2024 was no different.
After a scoreless first quarter, Marshall took a 7-0 lead early in the second stanza thanks to a 29 yard rumble by running back Semaj Gatson to the Lobo 1, scoring on the following play.
It looked as if the Mavs could add to their lead following a Lobo fumble, but they gave the ball right back to Longview on the very next play with an interception.
Longview made the Mavericks pay for the blunder, scoring to tie the game up 7-7 with 4:15 left in the half.
A shanked punt then gave the Lobos a very short field, where they marched 49 yards for the quick score and a 14-7 lead at with :37 seconds until halftime.
Right on cue, Longview took control of the game in the second half.
After a terrific kickoff return to open the third quarter, the Lobos found the endzone for another quick score to make it 21-7.
They never looked back after that.
Another Maverick kicking error in the form of a muffed punt gave Longview the ball at the Maverick 16 yard line.
The Lobos once again made Marshall pay, extending the lead to a commanding 28-7.
Marshall finally showed some life as they drove down to the Lobo 13 yard line early in the fourth quarter. The Mavs were looking to cut the Longview lead down to 28-14.
But the Lobo defense held as a failed fourth down gave the ball back to Longview.
The Lobos officially put the game away with a pair of fourth quarter scores to make the final 42-7.
Marshall had 151 yards rushing on the night, but only 12 yards passing for a total of 163 yards.
RB Semaj Gatson had 10 carried for 40 yards
RB Isaiah Bush had 10 carries for 68 yards
QB Alton Henderson was 3-10 with 2 interceptions for 12 yards.
Marshall falls to (1-1) on the season while Longview improves to (2-0).
The Mavs now prepare for their first road trip of the season as they head to Rose Stadium to take on 6A Tyler Legacy.
Comments