Kerryon Johnson runs the ball against Sheffield in the Mustangs’ homecoming game. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – The Madison Academy Mustangs (3-1, 2-0) scored just about every way possible in their 29-point first quarter effort against the visiting Sheffield Bulldogs Sept. 12.

Malik Miller scored the first points off a 1-yard run early in the first quarter and then scored again by returning a blocked punt 32 yards. Blake Coward aired one out to Emerson Brooks for a 54-yard score, and Kerryon Johnson returned a punt 47 yards to paydirt.

All that occurred in the first 12 minutes of play.

“We had some big special teams plays,” Madison Academy coach Eric Cohu said. “We thought we could make some plays on special teams. That really gave us some short fields and some points.”

Two more rushing touchdowns gave the Mustangs a 43-0 halftime lead.

“Offensively we clicked, first drives, defensively we came out and played really well so I’m really happy with jumping on that first quarter,” Cohu said.

For homecoming, the homecoming queen was announced at halftime and Coward was tapped as homecoming king. Fellow seniors Kerryon Johnson and kicker Nathan Geis were also in the running.

“I’m excited about my future, but it’s nice to let it all soak in,” Coward said of his last homecoming.

Many Mustang starters were pulled before the end of the second quarter. Johnson led Madison Academy in rushing with 71. Miller notched 69 yards and KiKi Matthews had 60.

In addition to leading the team in tackles, with 8, Blake Wimberly rushed for 37 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Freshman Alex Carpenter led the team with 15 carries, with a hard-earned 52 yards.

Madison Academy will play its first away game this season Friday at Colbert County.