Tigers' Heartbreaking Overtime Loss to Mansfield: 62-60 🏈

By J.J. Phillips

As Devin Lavalais’ two-point conversion attempt went fluttering to the ground, several Marksville Tigers fell to the Astro turf emotionally and physically drained following 62-60 overtime loss to the Mansfield Wolverines.

There were tears, dismay and exhaustion. Every possible emotion ran across their faces like a digital sign. Teammates and their coaches offered helping hands, along with hugs and an occasional pat on the back but the hurt ran deep.

For more than three hours, the two teams battled up and down the field.

Marksville finishes its season 9-3 while Mansfield moves on to the regional round of Division III non- select state playoffs where they will face the Jena Giants, after beating St. Helena Central 48-14. It should be a good game as the similarities between the two are evident, according to Marksville coach Josh Harper.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game. They have speed, speed and more speed,” said Harper.

“They like to run the ball with their three outstanding runners -- Jaterrious Howard (7-57), Derrick Mitchell (19-187 yards) and Jaydan Hamilton (13-89). When I first arrived three years ago, we played them in the first round of the playoffs. They did a number on us back then (34-28).”

Harper, though, was quick to remind everyone the Tigers were a changed team. The Tigers, especially the seniors bought into the program. They became a team.

“It took time but we turned it around.” said Harper. “I truly hate it for our kids (the playoff loss). They worked so hard this year.”

The proof was on the field as the Tigers held the advantage in first downs (29), passing (164), total yards (479) and 84 total offensive plays. Marksville also had 315 yards rushing as compared to 379-rushing yards for Mansfield.

But it was a different story for Marksville as they struggled to keep the speedy Wolverines bottled up.

“The guys did their best but Mansfield’s raw speed was tough to contain,” said Harper. “If you go back and look, they (the Wolverines) used only three plays, sometimes less to score.”

Mansfield’s speed was on full display as Jaydan Hamilton raced 27 yards and Howard ran in the two point conversion to make it 8-0. Marksville quickly answered as Jaden Price hauled in an 8-yard TD pass from Devin Lavalais (32-16-2, 164 yards).

Mansfield took a 16-8 lead into the second quarter but that quickly changed as Jayden Holmes escaped for a 72-run followed by a 1-yard TD run by Lavalais to make it 24-16 midway through the second period.

Holmes finished the night with 118 yards rushing, and 75 yards receiving (7-75). Jaden Price was the second leading receiver for 61 yards on six carries.

After the Tigers third TD and successful two-point conversions, Mansfield knotted the score again as Jaterrious Howard ran in from 7 yards out.

With the scored knotted up to start the second half, the two teams began slugging it out. A Lavalais 12-yard TD run made it 30-24 after the two point conversion failed. Zayvon Sanders 46-yard TD run and pass to Jakorion Greer made it 32-30.

Lavalais (who had five rushing TDs, 182 yards rushing, 164 yards passing, and 346 yards in total offense) rallied the Tigers again and capped a lengthy drive with a two yard run and two-point conversion.

Pegues 33-yard- run helped Mansfield retake the lead.

Down by two heading into the fourth period, Lavalais scored from four-yards out and hit Price for the two point conversion to make it 46-40. The Wolverines scored twice to go up 54-46. With time running out in regulation, Lavalais put the team on his back and drove them down the field where he bulled his way over from the one. He did the same on the two-point conversion to tie the score and send the game into overtime.

After Mansfield’s Howard scored on a 10-yard run and Pegues’ two-point conversion to make it 62-54, the Tigers came fighting back. Lavalais calling his own number bulled in from the two, but the two points fell to the ground tipped by the Wolverine secondary.

The celebration erupted on the Mansfield side while the dejection hit the Tigers like a gut punch.

“I have been through what they’ve been through,” said Harper. “I am proud of them because they didn’t quit. They left it all out on the field and what more can I ask.”