It may have come down to the last few minutes, but even without starting quarterback Trey Lyles, Marengo Academy still managed to pull a victory out of the bag, defeating South Choctaw Academy 13-10.

South Choctaw took the lead early with a seven-yard touchdown run by Josh Conner (#7), putting South Choctaw ahead 7-0.

Marengo then stormed back with a solid drive down the field, a drive capped off by a four- yard touchdown run by Patrick Cannon (#45).

South Choctaw then struck back with a 23 yard field goal by South Choctaw field goal kicker Rob Dalhberg, putting South Choctaw ahead 10-6.

The game then stood at a standstill for a while, as it seemed that South Choctaw was about to clinch the victory fairly easily.

The clock began to dwindle, but then suddenly, out of nowhere, Marengo slowly came back, marching down the field, with the clock slowly narrowing down to about a minute to go.

Tension seized the air, as Marengo fans, fists clenched, eyes closed, waited to see what would happen next.

Then Marengo struck pay dirt as Randy Martin (#10) fired a ten yard touchdown pass into the hands of Marengo receiver Hagen Kaylor (#28), putting Marengo ahead 11-10.

Then with nearly 30 seconds to go, Marengo Academy kicker Jamie Singleton (#2) then sealed the deal with a single point conversion, putting Marengo up 12-10, capping off a Marengo victory.

Marengo had 238 yards rushing, with Patrick Cannon (#45) being Marengo’s leading rusher with 133 yards. Nathan Averette (20) finished behind Cannon with 54 yards rushing.

Kaylor led Marengo in receiving yards with 29 yards on two catches, while Patrick Sanford had 15 yards receiving.

Marengo defensive tackles Daniel Hall (#72), and Jamie Singleton (#2) led Marengo in tackles with Hall having 14, while Singleton had 10.

South Choctaw had 148 rushing yards rushing, and 74 yards passing from Dahlberg.

For Marengo coach Jesse Little victory was sweet, especially with a solid performance from Martin.

Little also praised his defense for a solid performance.

As for the final touchdown pass, Little said he knew Kaylor would end up with the ball in his hands even before Kaylor reached the end zone. .