Marshall Co. Holds Off Home Lions (Game Recap/Top Performers)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The road Tigers needed all four quarters to put Columbia Central away but they got the job done, winning by seven and pushing their season record to 2-2 overall. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers traveled one county over to Columbia Central Friday night looking to get back in the win column and they did so after a hard fought 27-21 victory over the Lions. Things looked really good early on for Marshall Co. but the game got interesting in the second half until they pulled away late to pick up a big road victory and their second win of the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you watched the first drive of the game, you would have thought Marshall Co. was headed to an easy win. Senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422897' first='Tyler' last='Thompson'] </strong>produced several big throws to put the Tigers into the red zone where he finished the drive with a bootleg rushing score. The Marshall Co. moved through the Columbia defense like butter and continued to do so during the 1st quarter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers pushed their score to 14-0 after the first touchdown of the evening from sophomore running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1885826' first='Tot' last='Gardner']</strong>. This underclassmen proved to be the biggest difference maker of the game, who will pop up again down this article.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We ended the 1st quarter with the Tigers ahead by fourteen and it looked like the road team was headed to victory but Columbia Central woke up and began to compete. The Lions put together a nice drive that was capped off by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1885892' first='Daniel' last='Booker'] </strong>and his first rushing touchdown of the night to pull within seven points.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1885898,"width":"285px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/dbooker.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1885898" style="width:285px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marshall Co. immediately answered by giving the ball to Gardner and letting him do his thing. The sophomore ball carrier turned on the speed button and blazed down the sideline, past Columbia defenders to produce his second touchdown of the half. This run by Gardner was impressive as he found a 2nd gear and created tremendous separation.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Going up 21-7, the road team kept Columbia Central off the board the remainder of the second quarter to go into the locker room with a fourteen point lead. All signs were leading towards Marshall Co. running away with this game but the Lions made adjustments and immediately made moves as the second began.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After stopping the Tigers on their opening possession, Columbia Central marched down field by way of the run game with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1885943' first='Zane' last='Nash'] </strong>picking up several big first downs. The Lions ended the drive with a score as Booker found athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1586322' first='Dallas' last='King'] </strong>on the slant and the junior playmaker raced into the end zone. You could see confidence growing with the home team and feeling good, now only down 21-14.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much like the first half, Marshall Co. immediately answered the Lions score with a touchdown of their own. For the third time in this game, Gardner made his presence known with a one handed catch from Thompson that led to a 64 yard touchdown. HIs speed and natural playmaking abilities were difficult for the Lions defense to handle.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holding a 27-14 lead going into the 4th quarter, the Tigers looked in prime position to win but the Lions wouldn't go away. The home team marched down the field using the pass and the run to get into the Tigers red zone where Columbia Central finished strong as Booker added his second rushing score of the night.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The home team made things interesting, down only 27-21 with plenty of time left on the clock but in the end, Marshall Co. proved to make key offensive plays to finish the game out. Thompson was cool, calm and collected down the stretch, producing several 1st down runs, including the final one to end it. Columbia Central put up a fight but couldn't get the stops needed when it counted.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1885905,"width":"277px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/khightower-crop-282x185-1757747219.jpg?w=281" alt="" class="wp-image-1885905" style="width:277px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was a needed win for Marshall Co., who came in at 1-2 and looking to bounce back after a commanding defeat last week to Westview. The Tigers played well on both sides of the ball, receiving chunks plays on offense, near lockdown coverage on defense while having Thompson play steady ball behind center.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marshall Co. (2-2) stays on the road next week in Chattanooga versus Tyner Academy while Columbia Central (1-2-1) remains at home, looking to get back in the win column against an undefeated and talented Lawrence Co. football team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </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":["1885826"],"_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-68c514a6211f1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">&nbsp;It wasn't hard to choose our player of the game with Gardner easily standing out as the top playmaker on the field between both teams that produced three touchdowns on the night. This guy was hard to handle due to his athleticism, explosiveness and speed. Once he got into the open field, Gardner could not be slowed down. This was my first exposure to Gardner, so I have plenty to learn about him but I really like what I see from this sophomore back, who could turn into a top prospect for his position with added size and further development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Three Stars</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1422897"],"_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-68c514a62125a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thompson didn't make a lot of wow plays in their win over Columbia Central but that's fine because he made winning plays throughout the game, including being clutch during the team's final drive. The Tigers quarterback was calm and steady the entire night, showing off his arm talent while also picking up multiple key first downs with his legs. His leadership is Thompson's most important trait and that showed up big in this victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1586322"],"_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-68c514a6212a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">&nbsp;Handling duties on both sides of the ball, King had a standout night versus the Tigers where he produced an interception while hauling in several passes on offense, including a big fourth quarter touchdown reception. King proved to be a top playmaker in this game that displayed his versatility. I can see the Lions junior developing at multiple, including potentially running back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1671580"],"_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-68c514a6212f1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">&nbsp;I specifically watched Lamberes in this game to gain a better feel for his upside and let me say that I see a potential D1 guy here. The only thing holding schools back could be his height (6'3 300 lbs) but Lamberes is a talented blocker that moves well with his lower base while sporting some powerful hands. The Tigers senior handles left tackle for his offense but his upside fits best inside where he could shine as a multi skilled interior O-lineman. Lamberes will definitely see a rise in his ranking during our Fall update.</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><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='492600' first='Kel' last='Hightower'] </strong>- Marshall Co.: This senior wideout was Thompson's go-to guy, his comforting blanket to throw to when offensive gains were needed. Hightower is a tough dude that may be undersized but he fits well in the slot as he runs crisp routes, competes hard and shows a fearless attitude, willing to catch passes in traffic.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1315658' first='Isaiah' last='Bishop'] </strong>- Columbia Cent.: Bishop had a strong showing in this matchup where he played physical in the trenches with his biggest plays coming on defense. Several occasions, the Lions big man made his way into the Marshall Co. backfield. He caused havoc against Thompson throughout the night while making several plays behind the line of scrimmage versus the run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1885892' first='Daniel' last='Booker'] </strong>- Columbia Cent.: Booker had his moments where needed development showed but I also saw strong upside with this junior quarterback. He made several throws throughout the game that displayed his arm strength but it was his legs that stood out the most. Booker produced three touchdowns on the night with one coming by way of the pass and the other two on the ground.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1583156' first='Mylan' last='Morris'] </strong>- Marshall Co.: Listed as a defensive tackle within our database, Morris had a strong night blocking on the O-line for his Tigers team. This junior interior big man did a good job of keeping Thompson clean while opening holes for Gardner. Morris did good work on defense as well where he made several plays behind the line of scrimmage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (LB/RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1885943' first='Zane' last='Nash'] </strong>- Columbia Cent.: The most passionate, hard nosed player on the field Friday night was this junior two-way backer. Nash competed exceptionally hard, providing some powerful hits on defense while picking up multiple first downs running the ball on offense. This guy will be a key piece for the Lions for the rest of the season and into his senior year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1193547' first='Jamari' last='Brown'] </strong>- Columbia Cent.: Out of all the standout players for Columbia Central in this game, Brown might have stood out the most to me when it came to college upside. The Lions sophomore showed explosive flashes throughout the game. He gained a lot of yards after several catches, displaying the open field speed that should appeal to collegiate football coaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1885885,"width":"533px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/marshallco3.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1885885" style="width:533px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->