Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
CARBONDALE — Mt. Vernon head football coach Dan Mings called it perhaps the best win he’s had in his 32 years.
In a game featuring five fourth quarter lead changes, Jashawn Staples’ fifth touchdown of the night and CJ Hughes-Disroe’s two-point conversion with 22.5 seconds left gave the Rams a 52-51 win at Carbondale in the South Seven opener for both teams.
Dealing with loads of injuries and cramping issues, the Rams overcame a disastrous start to the third quarter to come away with the win. Mt. Vernon led 25-14 at the half, but Carbondale scored twice in a four second span to turn the 11-point deficit into a 29-25 lead. Jonathon Jackson’s touchdown plus a two-point conversion pulled the Terriers within 25-22, then Carbondale scored on a fumble of the ensuing kickoff to take the lead.
Staples was one of the Rams dealing with cramping issues. He missed most of the third quarter but came back in the fourth to score three of his five touchdowns and added a pair of two-point conversions. He finished with 208 yards on the night. His touchdown and conversion with 3:56 left gave the Rams a 44-43 lead.
Carbondale’s Tay Oliver returned the ensuing kickoff back 99 yards for the touchdown. The Terriers added a two-point conversion to lead 51-44 before Staples and Hughes-Disroe tallied the game winner.
Both teams are 1-1. Mt. Vernon will travel to Marion Friday night for another conference game, while Carbondale will head to Collinsville for a non-conference matchup.
