Box Score Dragons Defeat the Tigers to Conclude the Season

Jackson, TN

The Lane College Dragons closed out the 2012 season with a 38-21 victory over the Tigers from Benedict College.

The Dragons scored three 1^st-quarter touchdowns to jump out to a 20-0 lead over the Tigers. McKinsley Marbury connected with Hollis Moore on a 16-yard pass to the left corner of the end zone for the first score. Moments later, Jack Howard added to his interception totals for the season cutting in front of the receiver, taking it to the house for his 2^nd touchdown return of the season for the 14-0 lead. The Dragons' defensive unit would bring the fans to their feet once again for the third Dragons touchdown of the quarter. Christopher Rayborn connected with a hit that jarred the ball loose allowing Corey Jones to scoop it up, and return it 47 yards for a touchdown. The extra point sailed wide right for a 20-0 lead at the end of the 1^st quarter.

The Tigers scored at the end of the 2^nd quarter on a 55-yard pass play from (QB) Marcus Graham to (WR) Kendariss Brown. The extra point was good sending the teams to the locker rooms with a 20-7 Dragons lead.

The game started off under sunny skies and a warm fall day. But shortly after halftime, dark clouds rolled overhead and unloaded heavy rains. The game was delayed for 47 minutes due to lightning in the area. The Tigers would score another touchdown in the third quarter on a 55-yard interception return for a touchdown closing the gap to 20-14. Mid-way of the third quarter, the Dragons' defense held tight forcing a would-be punt attempt. The snap sailed over punter Brian Curry's head into the end zone. Curry was able to kick the ball out the back of the end zone for a safety for the Dragons to make the score 22-14. The Dragons would add another touchdown before the quarter ended on a 6-play, 47-yard drive. Marbury would find Evan Yabu open for a 20-yard catch-and-run extending the lead to 29-14.

As the fourth quarter started, the defensive unit for the Dragons sacked the Tigers' quarterback for a 12-yard loss, setting the Dragons up with a short field. David Castillo would connect for a 38-yard field goal making the score 32-14. The ensuing kick-off resulted in an 87-yard return by Chris Johnson, setting the Tigers up for their last touchdown (a one-yard run by Chris Thomas making the score 32-21). Marbury would connect for his third passing touchdown of the game on a 10-yard pass to Hollis Moore (his 2^nd) and a final score 38-21.

The Dragons had 422 yards of total offense, compared to 148 for the Tigers. Lane had a huge advantage in time of possession, holding the ball for 41:12, compared to just 18:48 for Benedict.

Offensively, Marbury led the Dragons with 109 yards rushing, while completing 23 of 35 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns. Hollis Moore hauled in 6 passes for 81 yards and 2 TDs.

Defensively, The Dragons collected 2 interceptions (Jack Howard, Paris Hopper) along with the fumble recovery by Corey Jones.

The Dragons close out its best season in recent years with a 5-5 overall record and 3-4 record in Conference play.