MBA Outlasts Pearl Cohn, 17-14 (Game Recap/Top Performers)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Big Red hosted the Firebirds to kick off the 2025 season and the home team squeaked out the victory after a physical contest. MBA was in control for nearly the entire game but had to hold off a late comeback from Pearl Cohn to begin the year at 1-0. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two proud Mid-Tennessee based programs battled it out on “West End” Friday evening where the home Big Red of Montgomery Bell Academy had to hold off a late comeback from Pearl Cohn to defeat the Firebirds, 17-14. Even though this was a low scoring game without a lot of flash, it was still an impressive performance from the Big Red as they displayed physicality on both sides of the ball without making any mistakes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The MBA offense was able to control the clock throughout the contest, using <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1847729' first='William' last='Wade'] </strong>and their run game to either churn out long drives or maintain field position in their favor. A big factor behind the Big Red rushing attack was the play of their offensive line. They were dominating from start to finish and even showed signs of getting better in the second half.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pearl Cohn looked like a young team on Friday night. They had a multitude of penalties throughout the evening along with inconsistent play on the line of scrimmage. The Firebirds could not sustain a run game nor provide enough time for quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1286233' first='L.J.' last='Funk'] </strong>to scan the field. The junior signal caller was able to make some good plays on occasions, like his fourth quarter touchdown run to bring the game to within three but he wasn't able to produce enough for the victory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Firebirds defense did an overall good job of keeping their team in the game. They had a few lapses here and there but did a great of self correcting and staying on the same page. Their secondary locked things down and made it difficult for MBA quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='688833' first='Hugh' last='Price'] </strong>to see a clean field. Junior defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571417' first='Anthony' last='Carnahan'] </strong>in particular stood out with his ability to read the run and quickly come up and make the tackle.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most of the scoring took place in the first half. The Big Red got on the board first with a pick six from junior linebacker <strong>Nick Dave</strong> then added another score in the 2nd quarter from Wade. The Firebirds produced a late score going into the locker room to make things 14-7 at halftime. The game remained close until the very end where Pearl Cohn made things a little interesting but the Big Red run game sealed the deal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1847755,"width":"330px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/mbafootball2-crop-1833x1204-1755963281.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1847755" style="width:330px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: MBA Athletics</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ability to control the line of scrimmage proved to be the difference maker to me in the Big Red victory. Playing a clean brand of football also helped. MBA did have a muffed punt in the 1st half but it proved to not be a big deal. The defensive effort for the Big Red was outstanding as well where they received strong performances from linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1631776' first='Drake' last='Armstrong'] </strong>and junior edge <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1847724' first='Luke' last='Kleiner']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Big Red received some exceptional play up front but I thought their secondary did a pretty good job too. They gave up a few pass plays here and there but overall, they did well at keeping the athletic, Pearl Cohn receivers in-check and didn't allow many big plays. Holding the Firebird athletes down was key for the home team and their opening season win.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both these teams will be better because of this game. MBA has a tough road ahead on the D2-Class AAA level but they may have a defense worthy enough to keep them in most games. The Firebirds have athleticism on both sides of the ball but a lot of growing and learning to do. They will get right and be there in the end contending for a 4A title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pearl Cohn is a proud program that will bounce back but this night and this game was all Montgomery Bell Academy. The Big Red made an early statement and maintained control throughout the rest of the game. It was a good opening performance for MBA versus a talented team but there is much growth to go for the Big Red, however it's a great start to the 2025 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player of the Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1847729"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a9dca03289e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The game plan for MBA in this game was to run the ball early and often. They were able to do just that with Wade being the lead guy, who produced one rushing score on the night but several big first down runs that kept drives alive. The Big Red senior used his powerful running style to break through Pearl Cohn would-be tacklers all night long. His gritty, tough running was impressive to watch. Wade isn't the fastest but he is strong and tough to bring down. After watching him perform against the Firebirds, I expect this senior back to produce more big games throughout the year while chasing down a 1,000 yard rushing season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Next Best …….</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1631776"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a9dca03292c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This Mid-Tennessee linebacker flashed for me throughout the entire night, showing excellent physicality and the ability to quickly read the run. Armstrong was active around the line of scrimmage, especially versus the Firebirds rushing attack where they had a hard time blocking this Nashville based linebacker. I wanna see more long speed and range throughout the season but Armstrong definitely has college upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1847724"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a9dca0329a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It was a coming out show for this junior D-lineman, who wasn't on my radar until this game. Kleiner had an impressive showing where all night he consistently played in the Pearl Cohn backfield. The Big Red junior did a good job of getting off blocks and onto the ball carrier in a hurry. Kleiner also flashed the occasional pass rush. I will need to look deeper into this Nashville area junior because I definitely liked what I saw on Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1847720"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a9dca032a10"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another new prospect on my radar, Moshey might have the most upside of anybody on the field Friday evening. He stands 6'4 with long arms, a great frame for additional weight and natural athletic abilities that translate to the next level. Moshey was one guy the Big Red offense had a problem dealing with. He has a lot of development left to go but he definitely made an impression to open the 2025 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Top Performers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432204' first='Karmelo' last='League'] </strong>- Pearl Cohn: League didn't make the kind of impact on this game like I expected him to but he did flash at several moments throughout the game. The Firebirds staff lined League up in several areas within the defense to help showcase his athleticism and instincts. He made multiple tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage to somewhat slow down the MBA rushing attack.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1286233' first='L.J.' last='Funk'] </strong>- Pearl Cohn: It wasn't the best start for Funk but as the game went on, the Firebirds quarterback got better. What I liked most about Funk was his ability to stay poised while keeping his eyes down field looking for the open receiver. He also showed off his athleticism on multiple occasions, picking up several first downs with his legs or keeping plays alive. It was a rough game for his team but Funk definitely showed the upside to play on the D1 level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘27 (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608413' first='Stephen' last='Saulter'] </strong>- Pearl Cohn: Saulter had a solid debut as one of the Firebirds new receivers as he produced several receptions during the night, including a touchdown reception to end the first half. He did some good work on the outside getting open and presenting Funk a clean target. Saulter also made several tough catches among contact that displayed his upside to handle college physicality. I like what I saw from the Firebirds receiver but I gotta see more throughout the season ahead.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘27 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571417' first='Anthony' last='Carnahan'] </strong>- Pearl Cohn: The Firebirds secondary had a strong evening versus MBA with Carnahan being a major part of those efforts. This junior defensive back showed up early in the game making plays at the line of scrimmage against the run then proceeded to lock down his side of the field from then out. His willingness to tackle impressed me the most, showing me more depth with his game and potential moving into college.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘28 (TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1847747' first='Bennett' last='Conyers'] </strong>- MBA: The Big Red didn't do a lot of passing but when they did, Conyers was one of the targets. This 6 '4 sophomore tight end made a nice impression against the Firebirds as he displayed the ability to run and get open while sporting some strong hands. He also looks the part of a future college guy along with having a nice frame to pack on more weight. Conyers certainly has the potential to develop into a go-to target as the season goes on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1847759,"width":"313px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/pearlcohn-crop-1844x1211-1755963458.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1847759" style="width:313px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: MBA Athletics </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->