In a Week 3 high school football matchup, Marion Harding delivered a performance that matched the expectations set by their head coach, C.J. Westler. The team executed a fast start, scoring on their first two possessions, which ultimately led to a 14-7 victory over Bellefontaine on September 4.
Westler emphasized the importance of a quick beginning throughout the week leading up to the game. "Our goal all week was a fast start. I think we did that," he stated after the game. The Presidents capitalized on their initial opportunities, with quarterback Dez Feliciano connecting on key plays that set the tone for the contest.
Marion Harding wasted no time, taking just five plays and 1:22 to score their first touchdown. Feliciano's 38-yard pass to Jaden Jordan and an 11-yard completion to Jackson Payne set up a 13-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Walker, giving the Presidents an early 7-0 lead. On their next possession, despite a potential 97-yard touchdown run by Feliciano being negated by a holding penalty, the team maintained their momentum. They orchestrated a 14-play drive that consumed nearly six minutes of the clock, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run by Feliciano.
Westler noted the importance of not just playing hard but also securing victories. "Our kids play extremely hard, but we told them last week that playing hard is not good enough. You don’t want to be the team that says, 'Man they play hard, but they don’t win,'" he remarked, highlighting the team's focus on results.
After halftime, Bellefontaine responded with an 11-play, 60-yard drive that ended with Dillon Jones scoring on a 1-yard run, narrowing the deficit to 14-7. However, that would be the only score allowed by the Presidents' defense, which demonstrated resilience throughout the game.
Marion Harding's defense was particularly effective in critical moments, stopping Bellefontaine on two fourth-and-goal situations in the first half. They thwarted a drive with an incomplete pass on fourth-and-goal from the 5-yard line and later intercepted a pass to halt another drive. In the second half, after Bellefontaine's touchdown, the defense forced back-to-back three-and-outs and made a crucial stop on a fourth-and-4 attempt from their own 44-yard line. The game was sealed when Sean Kelly recovered a fumble with just 1:37 remaining.
Statistically, both teams recorded 13 first downs, but Marion Harding outgained Bellefontaine significantly, with a total of 351 yards compared to 232. Feliciano completed 9 of 24 passes for 129 yards and rushed 16 times for 75 yards. Running back McGary contributed with 107 yards on 12 carries, while Shaukoyre Jackson added 36 yards on 8 attempts. In the receiving department, Walker caught four passes for 43 yards, and Jordan had three receptions totaling 70 yards. On defense, Quincy Carter led with 6.5 tackles, while Kolten Sibrel added 4.5 tackles, and Noah Shockley and Maddox Moran combined for a crucial sack in the second half.
With this victory, Marion Harding demonstrates their ability to execute a game plan effectively and solidifies their position as a competitive force in the season.
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