Anytime two teams wrack-up over 1,000 yards of offense from scrimmage, one should expect a 55-40 score. In this case, the Mineola Yellowjackets and visiting Pottsboro Cardinals combined for 1,055 yards. On the strength of more consistent offensive production, Pottsboro went home with the win. 

Another way of saying “more consistent offensive production” is simply saying “Major McBride.” Last year’s district MVP was nearly unstoppable and gashed the Mineola defense for huge chunks of yardage. 

The Mineola faithful know what that feels like. Having relished the running careers of Trevion Sneed and Dawson Pendergrass and now Braydon Alley, the fan base knows that once a runner begins to assert himself, it can spell disaster for a defense. 

Pottsboro scored on the first six possessions, powered by McBride. They amassed nearly 400 yards in the first half.  The critical crease in the Mineola defense was simply setting (or closing or stretching) the edge. 

McBride was so quick to the hole that unless a defender could immediately shuck his blocker, he would be too late to make the tackle.

While Pottsboro was running the field, the Yellowjackets were amassing yardage as well. 

Mineola answered the initial Cardinal score with a 78-yard drive. Alley carried around right end from 28 yards and scored after making a brilliant cut that crossed up defenders.

Down 21-7, Mineola mounted an 83-yard drive and closed the game to 21-14. This time Alley scored around the left end. A beautiful strike from Alley to Colton McMahon had put the Jackets deep in Cardinal territory.

Pottsboro regained the two-score advantage on the next play. McBride took the ball 75 yards through the middle of the Jacket defense. 

The Cardinals mustered two more scores in the half, one on a long run (with five missed tackles) and a second on a short field after a Yellowjacket turnover. It looked as though it could be a long night for the home side. 

As Mineola fans have come to expect, the Yellowjackets weren’t done. They came back with a vengeance, scoring on four of their five second-half possessions. 

A 10-play, 65-yard drive opened the half. In addition to six carries on the drive for Alley, McMahon had a critical 21-yard carry. Great blocking on the left side of the Jacket line allowed Alley to find the end zone. 

Pottsboro answered. Down 48-20, Mineola struck with a 72-yard go-route connection between Alley and McMahon. The route combination was a fake wide-receiver screen which McMahon then turned upfield. 

On the next series, a vicious and legal tackle by Mario Bautista caused a Cardinal fumble. Four plays later Mineola scored with Alley streaking 45-yards through the left side of the defense. Mineola had closed the score again to 14 points. 

A high-hopping onside kick followed, and Mineola had the ball once again. The Jackets rammed their way to the end zone and with 8:50 on the clock, it was a 48-40 game. 

McBride, who had sat out the last two Pottsboro series, reentered the game. Pottsboro marched 70 yards in ten plays, exhausting most of the remaining time and ending the score-fest. 

Alley finished with 189 yards rushing on 33 carries. Furthermore, his maturation as a passer continues as he demonstrated great decision-making and accuracy. 

Mineola has a bye this week to prepare for the final four district games. That line-up is Oct. 13 at Bonham, Oct. 20 home vs. Winnsboro, Oct. 27 at Rains and Nov. 3 home vs. Commerce.