Chris Whitaker
The Americus Times-Recorder
DRANEVILLE —
Marion County’s first two opponent this season didn’t have an answer for the duo of Zamir Shelton and Ykeem Wells.
Add Macon County to the list.
Shelton rushed for 196 yards and three touchdowns, and Ykeem Wells rushed for 120 and a score as the Eagles used a 34-point third quarter to bury the Bulldogs, 55-6.
The Eagles racked up 458 total yards — 377 on the ground — compared with 147 for the Bulldogs.
“We wore them down and started playing a little bit better,” said coach Mike Swaney. “I thought it was a good night for us.
“They had their defense set up to stop Ykeem; they were over shifting to stop him. Doing that, everything opened up for Zamir.”
Shelton’s first touchdown came from five yards out with 4:37 left in the opening quarter. He added an 8-yard score in the second quarter, and Wells had a one-yard touchdown as Marion led 21-0 at the half.
That’s when Swaney decided to open up the offense.
Quarterback FaShawn Swanson did all his work in the third quarter, completing seven passes for 81 yards, including two touchdown tosses to Tavarios Bryant of 10 and seven yards. He also had a 29-yard run for a touchdown.
“They were lining up different that what we had practiced,” said Swaney. “We got into halftime and found some things we could do. According to the way they lined up, we attacked that. Plus we told them to throw the ball in the third quarter, too, and we threw it well.
“Those two backs are good, no doubt about that. But then we have a quarterback that can run it. We put in a lead draw in there for him, and the first time we ran it, he broke loose and scored. We have three guys back there that can run the ball.”
Macon County’s only score came on a 65-yard screen pass from Dedrick Clark to Karltez Hooks.
Marquis Swanson put the finishing touches on the win, returning a fumble for a touchdown; he also had an interception. Isaac Dixon led the Eagles with eight tackles.
Swaney said they are working Wells into shape so he can take over the linebacker spot left from Solomon Jones’ injury he sustained in the opener. He had surgery on a broken leg, and Swaney hopes to have him back when the Eagles host Greenville on Oct. 22.
But for now, they will get ready for a rivalry game as they travel to Schley County this week.
