The Morris Eagles continued their search for a first win of the season Friday night, falling 39-6 on the road to the Antlers Bearcats. Coach Jimmy Whitlock’s Eagles showed resilience on both sides of the ball but struggled to slow down a potent Antlers rushing attack that racked up over 300 yards on the ground.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Antlers took control in the second, striking for three touchdowns on runs of 5, 76 and 38 yards to build a commanding 21-0 halftime lead. The Bearcats added two more scores in the third quarter – a pair of touchdown passes covering 19 and 27 yards – to extend their advantage to 33-0.
Antlers added a 21-yard touchdown run early in the fourth before Morris finally broke through in the closing minutes. The Eagles’ lone score came on a 1-yard quarterback keeper by Landon Martin, capping a determined drive that prevented the shutout.
Martin finished the night with 98 passing yards, completing 9 of 25 attempts. He also added 54 yards rushing and the team’s only touchdown.
Running back Cayden Bumgarner continued to be the heart of the Morris offense, rushing for 128 yards on 18 carries, including several breakaway runs that kept the chains moving. He also handled special teams duties, averaging 32 yards per punt and 17 yards per kickoff return.
Through the air, Hunter Hodges led all Eagle receivers with six catches for 61 yards, while Kaden Richardson added a 26-yard reception. Eli Smith and Ethan Edwards each contributed short completions to help sustain drives.
Despite facing a relentless Antlers offense, the Morris defense made several key plays. Hodges and Edwards each recorded an interception, while Hodges also forced and recovered a fumble. The defensive front, anchored by Isaiah Taylor, Trey Morgan and Gabe Ausbrooks, registered multiple tackles for loss to slow Antlers’ inside running game.
Taylor led the front with three tackles and two assists, while Morgan, Smith and Bumgarner each tallied six total tackles. Bumgarner added two tackles for loss, and Hodges contributed six total tackles (four solo, two assists).
On special teams, Bumgarner handled punting, kickoff and kicking duties, finishing with three punts for 96 yards and two kickoffs totaling 35 yards.
Morris finished the game with 299 total yards of offense – 98 passing and 201 rushing – compared to Antlers’ 444 yards (136 passing, 308 rushing). The Bearcats’ explosive runs of 76 and 38 yards were key turning points that opened up the game before halftime.
With the fall break this week, most county teams are playing their games on Thursday.
The Eagles will be on the road in a district game to Spiro, with both teams hoping to get that first win of the season.
