It isn’t hard for Inman Middle School football coach Bob Markum to describe how Martin was able to defeat the Bulldogs 12-0 in the semifinals of the West Tennessee sectional playoffs Tuesday in Martin.

“It was a really even, hard-played game accept for a couple of things Martin did that led to points in the second half,” Markum.

He said the game was a hard-hitting and physical affair with neither team gaining an advantage during a scoreless first half.

Inman was to receive the second half kickoff but the Panthers perfectly executed an onside kick to gain possession of the ball. Martin moved into score on a six-yard pass to take a 6-0 lead halfway through the third period.

Further hurting the Bulldogs was the Panthers recovered another on-side kick following the touchdown. Martin didn’t score again in the third period but tacked on another touchdown on a 58-yard run to start the fourth quarter to push the Panthers lead to 12-0.

“We couldn’t do much when you don’t have the football in the third quarter. We knew they liked to use the on-side kick and was prepared for it. It was one of those high-bounding kicks that we caught but got blasted and lost control of the ball,” said Markum.

He said the Bulldogs offense failed to execute as smoothly as was needed but added that Martin’s defense played a big part in that. Inman lost starting quarterback Will Ward to an injury in the first half with Semaj King filling in during the second half.

King completed four of nine passes for 53 yards but the Bulldogs couldn’t get in the end zone. Jayden Kendall led the rushing attack with 11 runs for 46 yards while fullback Mekhi Sanders had four runs for 26 yards.

Inman had 134 yards in total offense, while Martin rolled up 213 yards. Markum said the yardage would have been about even without the Panthers’ 58-yard scoring play.

On defense, the Bulldogs got a strong game from Orlandis Webb who had eight tackles, recovered a fumble and deflected a pass that Sanders intercepted in the third quarter. Markum said the Bulldogs defense held up well despite being on the field a good portion of the game.

Markum said Martin has a very good football team that he wouldn’t be surprised to see win the sectional championship on Saturday.

“It was a tough loss because our kids played so hard. They had played well all season. We finished with just two losses, so it was another good season. We are proud of these guys,” Markum said.

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