Mayflower grinds past Atkins with late surge in playoff clincher

Mayflower 27, Atkins 6

MAYFLOWER — A relentless second‑half surge carried Mayflower past Atkins, 27–6, in a pivotal 3A clash Thursday night at Patrick Stadium. The Eagles turned a 7–6 halftime edge into breathing room with a vertical strike and two bruising scoring runs, while their defense smothered a Red Devil offense that had been rolling in recent weeks.

Senior LB/RB Trevion Williams set the tone, punching in a 9‑yard touchdown behind a physical front anchored by two‑way lineman Devonte Williams. Junior QB Carter Smith extended drives with timely scrambles and found senior DB Tanner Reed on a 33‑yard third‑quarter score. Senior K/DB Dakota Graaf added two PATs (one attempt sailed wide). Mayflower’s coverage unit, led by DB Marcus Phillips, limited explosives and flipped field position with sturdy returns.

Atkins answered with senior Kenney Rivas, who drilled field goals of 29 and 37 yards to draw the Red Devils within one at intermission. Senior OLB/FB John Davis’ interception in the closing seconds of the half underlined a gritty defensive effort. Senior QB Cole Crawford mixed designed keepers and quick game; sophomore RB Cooper Goodallchurned out tough yards, and junior LB Mason Vick knifed repeatedly into the backfield, but sustained drives proved elusive against the Eagles’ front.

Two clock‑draining rushing touchdowns in the late going sealed it for Mayflower, which controlled the final two quarters at the line of scrimmage.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter — None.
2nd Quarter — Mayflower – Trevion Williams 9‑yard run (Dakota Graaf kick), MAY 7–0.
Atkins – Kenney Rivas 29‑yard FG, MAY 7–3; Atkins – Kenney Rivas 37‑yard FG, MAY 7–6.
3rd Quarter — Mayflower – Tanner Reed 33‑yard pass from Carter Smith (Graaf kick), MAY 14–6.
Mayflower – 11‑yard run (kick failed), MAY 20–6.
4th Quarter — Mayflower – 15‑yard run (Graaf kick), MAY 27–6.

Players who stood out

• Trevion Williams (MAY, LB/RB): 9‑yard rushing TD; chain‑moving power runs.

• Carter Smith (MAY, QB/DB): 33‑yard TD pass; several scramble conversions.

• Tanner Reed (MAY, DB): 33‑yard TD reception.

• Kenney Rivas (ATK, DB/K): 29‑ and 37‑yard field goals.

• John Davis (ATK, OLB/FB): Interception late in the first half.