Second-half stampede keys Mustangs’ win over Guntersville

GUNTERSVILLE — For the first 30 minutes Friday night, Madison Academy and Guntersville were in a no-holds barred defensive struggle.

The two teams went into halftime with the host Wildcats holding a tenuous 8-7 lead.

Then, early in the third quarter, Avery Seaton connected with Carson Kennamer on a 30-yard TD pass and the ensuing point-after was good to give the Mustangs a 14-8 lead they never lost.

The Mustangs rolled 35-8 to remain unbeaten in Class 5A Region 8 at 4-0; 5-1 overall. Guntersville falls to 2-3, 2-2.

Madison Academy struck in the first quarter when Luke Nail hit Hunter Schrader on a 51-yard score.

The Wildcats got on the board late in the second quarter and a two-point conversion provided the 8-7 score at intermission.

From the opening whistle in the third quarter, it was all Madison Academy. The Mustangs defense stymied Guntersville on the Wildcats’ first possession of the quarter and took the 14-8 lead on the Seaton-Kennamer score.

The Mustangs then forced a punt and Nail found Kyle Minor for a 12-yard TD.

Then, in the fourth quarter, Nail and Minor combined on a 90-yard catch-and-run to essentially put the game away for Madison Academy with a 28-8 lead.

The Mustangs wrapped up the scoring when Nail hit Slate Rucker on a 45-yard TD and the final 35-8 count.

Nail finished 13-for-23 with 263 yards passing and four touchdowns. Minor was his favorite target with five catches for 124 yards and the two TDs.

Region 8 play continues Friday for the Mustangs when Madison County visits for a 7 p.m. kickoff.