Melbourne moves to 2-0 with rout of Bald Knob

The Melbourne High School football team posted a 28-0 shutout against Bald Knob on Friday night at home. With the win, Melbourne improves to 2-0 on the season. The Bearkatz received the opening kickoff, and Tanner Williams capped off the eight-play opening drive with an eight-yard touchdown reception to put Melbourne on top four minutes into the game.

Senior kicker Fernando Ventura made the point after to give the Bearkatz a 7-0 lead. After Bald Knob failed on a fourth down conversion, Melbourne looked to strike quickly. However, Buchanan’s pass intended for Garrett Buchanan was intercepted.



The Bearkatz defense denied a momentum shift from the turnover by forcing Bald Knob to punt with 30 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Melbourne immediately went on a seven play drive starting with a 6 yard burst around the edge by Medina and a big 12 yard catch on third down by Malcolm Hammack to set up Buchanan for the keeper, a 36 yard score. After Ventura’s extra point Melbourne had the 14-0 lead.

The Bulldogs came out strong on the ensuing possession driving all the way down to the 27 yard line before turning the ball over on downs on a failed 4th and 1 conversion when Peyton Siddons immediately sniffed out the quarterback keeper for no gain. Melbourne followed suit and failed on a 4th down conversion after driving to the 39 yard line. Bald Knob threatened with their strongest drive of the night on the ensuing possession but Tanner Williams intercepted Bald Knob’s pass in the end zone for the turnover.

Melbourne’s ensuing drive ended as time expired for the half and Melbourne took a 14-0 lead into halftime. A battle of attrition ensued for the third quarter. Both teams forced three and outs and failed to convert on fourth down.

The third ended with the same score as it started 14-0. Melbourne opened up the fourth quarter with a 6 yard burst through the middle by Medina to begin Melbourne’s drive. Two plays later, Medina rumbled 28 yards virtually untouched for the score.

Ventura’s extra point made it 21-0 with six minutes remaining in the game. Three plays later, senior Malcolm Hammack intercepted a Bald Knob pass and returned it for a 38 yard touchdown. Ventura added the extra point for the 28-0 score.

Senior running back Carson Medina led the ground game with 14 carries for 103 yards and one touchdown. Quarterback Wyatt Buchanan followed with 84 yards and one touchdown, while completing 9 of 20 passes for 84 yards. Malcolm Hammack led all receivers with 7 receptions for 72 yards and one defensive touchdown.

Tanner Williams finished with two receptions for 18 yards and one touchdown. Ventura added four extra points. Melbourne will travel to Cave City on Friday, Sept.

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