MT. VERNON — Marion’s Callahan Roper connected with Max Wade for a 65-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, and the Wildcats’ defense came up with an interception late to seal a 37-34 win at Mt. Vernon.
Marion rallied from a 13-point first half deficit, tying the game at 21-21 in the third quarter, setting up a wild final quarter and half.
The Rams regained the lead, taking a 28-21 advantage the fourth thanks to Esaias Jefferson’s 43-yard touchdown run.
The teams traded touchdowns in the fourth, as Chase Niemeyer scored for Marion. The two-point conversion gave the Wildcats a 29-28 lead. Malaki Mays answered for Mt. Vernon with his second touchdown, putting the Rams up 34-29.
On the first play of the ensuing drive Roper and Wade combined to put the Wildcats in front.
With the win, Marion improves to 3-0 (1-0). The Wildcats will host Lighthouse Christian out of Springfield, Missouri next Saturday. Mt. Vernon falls to 1-2 (1-1). The Rams will travel to Collinsville Friday night.
