Clayton News Daily

Photo by Jerry Jackson Mount Zion wide receiver Carlton McCrary makes a catch for the Bulldogs in their 30-6 win over Morrow at Tara Stadium. 

Mount Zion gave its fans something to cheer about on homecoming night, scoring on a fumble recovery nine seconds into the game and never looking back as it defeated Morrow 30-6 Friday night at Tara Stadium.

The Bulldogs took an early lead when junior defensive back Fred Rodgers recovered a fumble in the end zone on the first play of the game to take a 6-0 lead after the miss extra-point attempt with 11:51 remaining.

Mount Zion looked poised to score again after junior quarterback Montel Buchanan recovered his own fumble and ran for a 43-yard gain. A few plays later, sophomore wide receiver Carlton McCrary fumbled a lateral pass from, which was picked up by Morrow linebacker Reggie Hall and returned 53 yards for the touchdown to tie the score at 6-6.

On the ensuing drive, Mount Zion took the lead for good when Buchanan scored on a 26-yard run for a 12-6 lead with 4:38 remaining.

And then the scoring gates opened.

Mount Zion junior running back Deon Dawson scored on the Bullldogs’ next possession going up-the-middle for a 38-yard touchdown to increase the lead to 18-6 with a minute left in the opening half.

The Bulldogs ran into halftime with some momentum after junior defensive back Saint Crowley intercepted a hail-mary pass in the end zone and ran it back to midfield as time expired.

Unfortunately for Morrow, Mount Zion had possession to start the second half, and it took full advantage of the opportunity. The Bulldogs put together a seven-play drive spanning 53 yards and ending with Dawson scoring on a 7-yard run.

Morrow put together a drive of its own to start the fourth quarter. The Mustangs pounded their way to Mount Zion’s 10-yard line before Crowley intercepted junior quarterback Harold Shammua’s pass in the end zone for a touchback.

As it had been doing all game, Mount Zion put together another time-consuming drive. The nine-play drive lasted nearly five minutes and ended with Buchanan finding McCrary in the end zone for a 10-yard score.

Two plays later, Crowley intercepted Shammua’s pass for the third time, and Mount Zion held possession for the remainder of the game.

Buchanan led Mount Zion with 187 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries while also going 5 for 11 for 69 yards and one touchdown. Dawson finished with 84 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.