Apollo’s much improved defense led the way for them on Friday night as the Eagles (2-6, 1-2) won their first district game of the season against Marshall County 48-14 (3-5, 0-4).
Senior running back Donte Dixon began his impressive performance for Apollo early, rushing for a 16-yard touchdown less than two minutes into the game. After exchanging interceptions, the Marshals ran a trick play for a 71-yard touchdown pass to tie the game up 7-7.
Dixon scored his second touchdown on the evening on the ensuing possession, running it in from 19 yards out. On the following kickoff, the Eagles recovered their own pooch kick. Senior quarterback Christian Combs found Eli Masterson a few plays later for a 37-yard reception, which set Apollo up for another rushing touchdown.
Just before halftime, Combs connected with Dixon for his third touchdown of the first half, this time through the air to put them up 27-7 heading into the break.
Combs led the Eagles down the field again coming out of halftime, calling his own number rushing for a 13-yard touchdown. The Eagles defense intercepted their third interception of the game on the following drive, scoring less than a minute later when Dixon broke down the entire Marshals defense on his 41-yard touchdown scamper to put them up 41-7.
The Marshals would throw yet another interception, and the Eagles would drive down as another Christian Combs rushing touchdown made it a running clock with just under a minute left in the third quarter. Landon Utley was able to get the Marshals on the board again, but it was far too late as the Eagles prevailed 48-14.
The Eagles defense played by far their best game of the year, causing five turnovers. Head coach John Edge said prior to the game that this was a key to winning tonight.
“Our defense played well, but we still got a lot of work to do,” Edge said. “We have a lot of young guys on that side of the ball after losing guys last year.”
Donte Dixon put on a show at Eagle Stadium to lead the way offensively, scoring four touchdowns and doing just about anything he wanted to on the football field.
“Tonight, saw a kid that comes to work every day and does the same thing,” Edge said. “Dante is a phenomenal athlete that gives us another dimension of our offense. I think these next several weeks he can help us win some games.”
Apollo has a huge opportunity next week against cross-town rival Daviess County, coming off an impressive win tonight. The Eagles will make the quick trip to Reid Stadium next Friday night, as they are set to kickoff at 7 p.m.
“There are still a lot of seeding implications ahead and we have a whole lot of football left,” Edge said. “We have to handle our business and keep getting better.”
