One of the most disappointing aspects of the Owls' season this year had been their penchant to give up the big play. Though they have been very difficult and stingy to drive on, their occasional lapses have hurt, as MUS has given up eleven plays of 30 or more yards this season.
As Fairley, ranked #4 in the city and undefeated at 7-0, came to Hull-Dobbs field last Friday night for Homecoming, the Bulldogs hoped to take advantage of these occasional lapses to make some big plays that their offense depends on.
However, Fairley was sadly mistaken on this night.
Led by a staunch defense that gave up only 172 total yards and an opportunistic offense, the Owls gave the alumni something to cheer about with a 26-0 shutout win.
Derek Clenin tallied his 15th touchdown of the season for MUS (5-3, 1-1) midway through the first quarter to grab the early lead on Fairley (7-1). The score followed a Preston Blankenship interception of a Kelvin Parson pass, and the senior linebacker returned it to the Bulldog 13. Two plays later, Clenin went in from 6 yards for the score. The extra point was no good and kept the score 6-0.
Fairley tried to get their high-powered offense, one of the most explosive in the city, rolling throughout, but they never could pull even. One problem was their poor field position, as they never started past their own 24-yard line in the first half.
Turnovers also hurt the Bulldogs. Two fumbles and an interception gave the Owls all the opportunity they needed to put this game out of reach.
The second Owl touchdown of the first half came off of one of the fumbles. After being hit at his own 30-yard line, RB Keenan Luster, who tallied a respectable 53 yards on 12 carries, fumbled, and DL Andrew Hooser picked up the loose ball and returned it to the Fairley 5. Two plays later, QB John Conrad McCrary went in from 1 yard out for the score. The two-point conversion attempt was no good, so the lead now was 12-0 midway through the second quarter.
MUS tacked on one more score before the half to put the game out of reach.
After taking over at the Fairley 32 following a poor punt, the Owls needed only five plays to tack on their third touchdown of the half.
Clenin scored his second touchdown of the game as McCrary, who finished 10-12 passing for 75 yards, hit him for a 15-yard score. Ben Tacker's PAT gave MUS the 19-0 lead headed into the break.
The second half saw ball possession and good defense to hold the Owl lead.
The Bulldogs had the ball for only 3 possessions in the second half as MUS ran the ball, controlled the clock, and committed few mistakes.
And when Fairley had the ball, they could not get any offensive momentum because the Owls put good pressure on Parson, sacking him three times and tackling as well as they had all year.
Fairley averaged only 3.5 yards per play and did not convert a third-down, failing on all 9 attempts.
MUS tacked on one more insurance score early in the fourth quarter.
After recovering a fumble near midfield, the Owls took 9 plays to score as McCrary hit WR John David Lawhorn from 19 yards out for the touchdown. Tacker's PAT finished out the scoring.
Though MUS did not light up the scoreboard or race up and down the field, they made few mistakes and were very methodical and efficient.
Clenin continued his outstanding season with 64 rushing yards, 22 receiving yards, and 2 more touchdowns.
The Owls will need an even better effort this Friday night as McCallie comes to town. The defending state champion has won 18 of their last 19 games and has already defeated Brentwood Academy and Baylor this year. MUS will look to avenge last year's 21-18 heartbreaking loss with the 7:30 kickoff.