The Ethel Tigers bounced back in a big way Friday night, racking up 521 total yards to overpower St. Andrew’s Episcopal 41-6 for their first win of the season.
After St. Andrew’s opened with a 25-yard touchdown pass, Ethel erupted for 28 unanswered points in the second quarter. Zantavious Clark sparked the rally with 4-yard and 3-yard touchdown runs. Quarterback Taylon May then took over, scoring on a 24-yard run and hitting Caden Merritt for a 28-yard touchdown pass before halftime.
The Tigers kept the pressure on in the second half. Merritt added a 20-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, and May capped the dominant performance with a explosive 58-yard touchdown run in the fourth.
“We bounced back from a disappointing performance to begin the season,” said Ethel head coach Junior Graham.
May spearheaded the offensive explosion with 177 rushing yards, two ground scores, and 137 yards passing on 9-of-10 completions.
Merritt racked up 114 rushing yards and two total touchdowns, while Dante Bailey hauled in 5 catches for 60 yards.
On defense, Charles Irving logged 5 tackles, Maddox Renfrow snagged an interception, and Nashun Winters and Eli Hill each recovered fumbles.
Ethel goes on the road this week to face Eupora.
