McKenzie beats Trinity Christian

McKENZIE — Trinity Christian held a 17-0 first-quarter lead over host McKenzie Friday, but the Rebels rebounded for a 44-24 District 6-2A victory.

Trinity got on an early roll, scoring an 8-yard touchdown run by Andrew Goldsmith, then a 21-yard pick-six for a 14-0 lead. Noah Holsinger booted a 31-yard field goal for a 17-0 advantage.

But Goldsmith suffered an unspecified knee injury early in the second and left the game with 67 yards.

The Rebels scored 22 second-quarter points, aided by two touchdowns in the final 3:43. McKenzie scored with 3:43 to play in the second nd then recovered a bloop kickoff seconds later, resulting in the go-ahead touchdown. The Rebels scored to start the third quarter and the two-score hole was too much for TCA.

"When he [Goldsmith] went down, we had to adjust and play a lot of players who haven't had practice reps in those new positions," TCA coach Blake Butler said. "We needed to be more consistent on defense, but we didn't quit."

Butler said Goldsmith wasn't in pain, but said he didn't feel right, so the medical staff kept him out of the game. He will be evaluated.

McKenzie coach Wade Comer was pleased with how his team rebounded after last week's loss.

"it was good that we were able to shake off the cobwebs," said Comer. "But once we scored, that helped our confidence."

McKenzie running back Eric Robinson carried 24 times for 173 yards and a touchdown. Senior quarterback Jack Surber was 9-16 for 180 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He also ran for two touchdowns and a two-pointer.

The Rebels (4-3, 2-1) and TCA (2-5 and 1-2) each have next Friday off.