Morton Ranch Shuts Out Tompkins, 28-0

By George Slaughter

For four consecutive Friday nights, Legacy Stadium hosted a homecoming game. Mayde Creek, Katy, and Seven Lakes won their respective contests.

Unfortunately for Tompkins Friday night, the homecoming magic ran out against a tough Morton Ranch team, which cruised to a 28-0 victory over the Falcons.

Morton Ranch improves to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in District 19-6A play. Tompkins falls to 0-4 overall and 0-2 in district play.

The defensive effort was led by defensive lineman Ethan Williamson, who had three sacks.

“We were very confident going into this game,” Williamson said.

The Mavericks also got interceptions from Jonas Calhoun in the first quarter and a later interception by Garren McLaughlin to seal the win.

Calhoun said the team’s preparation included lots of game film study. He said players watch film in the morning, during lunch, and before and after football practice.

He said the shutout felt good.

October 6, 2017 – Tompkins Falcons free safety Kaian Dislate (22) looks at a pass he attempted to intercept in the third quarter during the game between the Tompkins Falcons and the Morton Ranch Mavericks at Legacy Stadium in Katy, Texas. (Image Credit: John Glaser)

October 6, 2017 – Morton Ranch Mavericks running back Josh Bennett takes a handoff in the third quarter during the game between the Tompkins Falcons and the Morton Ranch Mavericks at Legacy Stadium in Katy, Texas. (Image Credit: John Glaser)

October 6, 2017 – Tompkins Falcons quarterback Nick Mayberry (7) throws a pass in the first quarter during the game between the Tompkins Falcons and the Morton Ranch Mavericks at Legacy Stadium in Katy, Texas. (Image Credit: John Glaser)

“It shows you how much we prepared for this,” Calhoun said. “We have a lot of confidence.”

Mavericks coach Ron Counter also had praise for the defense.

“We played great defense all year, and other than giving up some big plays, we’ve been pretty consistent,” Counter said. “I’m really proud of (defensive coordinator) Scott Joseph and all our defensive coaches and all the players. They do a great job of preparing and it was just a great job by them defensively.”

The Mavericks began the evening with a touchdown on their opening drive of the game, a five-yard run by Josh Bennett. The touchdown capped off a 75-yard drive to open the game. David Dominguez kicked the extra point. It would be the only score of the first half.

On their second drive of the second half, the Mavericks got another five-yard touchdown from Bennett, his second of the game. Dominguez again kicked the extra point with 2:59 left in the third quarter.

Jaelon Moorehead scored on a one-yard run with 9:26 left in the game. The final touchdown came on another five-yard Bennett run with 2:24 left. Dominguez kicked both the extra points.

“We feel we’ve got two running backs,” Counter said. “With Moorehead, we feel we feel like we’ve got to keep getting him in the mix. He’s still learning the offense and protections and things like that. We’re real happy for both those guys.”

Bennett praised his offensive line.

“They’re great blockers,” Bennett said. “I love to run behind them.”

Tompkins will face Mayde Creek Thursday night, and Morton Ranch will play Strake Jesuit Friday night. Both games will be at Rhodes Stadium.