Colfax-Mingo’s football team faced a challenging matchup against Martensdale-St. Marys on October 6, 2023, suffering a significant defeat with a final score of 34-6. The game, held in Colfax, marked the first encounter between the two teams since 2019, and it proved to be a tough outing for the Tigerhawks.
Martensdale-St. Marys showcased a dominant performance by restricting Colfax-Mingo to just 172 total yards. The Blue Devils’ defense was relentless, recording a remarkable 5.5 sacks and bringing down opponents behind the line of scrimmage over 14 times. Their ability to pressure the Tigerhawks made it difficult for the home team to establish any rhythm throughout the game.
On the offensive side, Martensdale-St. Marys excelled with a strong rushing game, accumulating 169 yards. Brady Baker led the charge, rushing for 150 yards and scoring three touchdowns, which included a 25-yard touchdown reception. The Blue Devils also benefited from a 67-yard punt return by Hunter Dooley and a 45-yard punt return from Baker, showcasing their special teams’ effectiveness.
Colfax-Mingo’s offense struggled to gain traction against the Blue Devils’ formidable defense. Fisher Grove and Wyatt Carpenter were the standout performers for the Tigerhawks, with Grove rushing for 71 yards on 13 carries, while Carpenter added 65 yards and a touchdown on 11 attempts. Quarterback Camden Cunningham completed 28 yards through the air, although he also threw an interception.
Defensively for Colfax-Mingo, Cunningham had a standout performance with a career-high 13 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. Grove contributed to the defense with three tackles and one sack, while Kyle Wood recorded 6.5 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. Parker Metzger also made an impact with 3.5 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Despite these efforts, the Blue Devils maintained control throughout the game. Their defensive unit was led by Caleb Puderbaugh, who tallied six tackles, five sacks, and one forced fumble. Trenton Jellison was another key player for Martensdale-St. Marys, with 8.5 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss.
Following this defeat, Colfax-Mingo’s record fell to 0-6 overall and 0-4 in Class A District 6, resulting in their elimination from postseason contention. Meanwhile, Martensdale-St. Marys improved to 2-4 overall and 1-4 in the district, marking a significant step forward in their season.
This game highlighted the defensive prowess of Martensdale-St. Marys while also emphasizing the challenges faced by Colfax-Mingo as they continue to seek their first victory of the season.
