Hall, McDonald spark Mills’ second-half surge past Maumelle
Mills 34, Maumelle 7
LITTLE ROCK — Alan Hall answered a Maumelle kickoff-return touchdown with an 80-yard return of his own, and Zamarion McDonald added two third-quarter rushing touchdowns as Mills won its 5A-Central opener 34-7 Friday night on Dixon Road.
The Comets scored 27 unanswered points after Maumelle tied the game early in the third quarter. Mills improved to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play; Maumelle stands 1-3 and 0-1.
Mills opened with a scoring drive after Bryshun Cunningham returned the opening kickoff into Maumelle territory. Quarterback KJ Gilcreast connected with Roosevelt Eaton for a first down before finding Ja’Meion Reese for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead with 9:47 remaining in the opening quarter.
Maumelle answered defensively. Bryce Mooney and Elijah Williams stopped early rushing attempts, and the Hornets recovered a fumbled snap late in the first quarter to end another Mills scoring opportunity.
The Hornets moved the ball through short passes and counter runs. Jackson Walker caught two passes on their opening possession, including a third-and-eight conversion. Isaac Warrior later turned a third-and-12 reception into a first down. Winchell Wiggins rushed for 33 yards before halftime and converted a fourth-and-four during Maumelle’s extended second-quarter possession.
Mills protected its lead with pressure and a timely takeaway. Lawrence Lawson recorded a second-quarter sack that helped force a punt. With Maumelle threatening again before halftime, Kentrell Mason intercepted a pass in the red zone, preserving the Comets’ 7-0 advantage.
The teams then exchanged kickoff-return touchdowns before either offense took a second-half snap. Derious Glover returned the opening kickoff for Maumelle’s touchdown, and Dylan Moran’s extra point tied the score with 11:47 left in the third quarter. Hall answered on the ensuing kickoff, following blocks toward the sideline before completing his 80-yard return. Mills led 14-7 just 26 seconds into the half.
Reese intercepted a pass on Maumelle’s next possession, and Mills converted the takeaway into another touchdown. Cunningham supplied an 18-yard run, and Reese’s downfield reception converted first-and-20. McDonald followed with a 16-yard run to the 10, then scored on the next snap behind a block from Maddox Parker. The unsuccessful extra point left Mills ahead 20-7 with 7:12 remaining in the third.
After Evan Wallace entered at quarterback for Maumelle, Lawson recorded another sack. Hall subsequently intercepted a pass and returned it approximately 40 yards before Jack Austin brought him down. McDonald finished the ensuing possession with his second rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 27-7.
Daking Warren’s catch on a slot fade moved Mills inside the 5 early in the fourth quarter. Cunningham finished the possession with a 3-yard touchdown run, and the extra point made it 34-7 with 10:31 remaining.
Maumelle recovered a muffed punt later in the quarter, but Emarion Morehead’s fumble recovery returned possession to Mills. Dy’Lan Brim intercepted a tipped pass on a late Hornets possession, completing a four-interception night for the Comets.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Mills – Ja’Meion Reese touchdown pass from KJ Gilcreast (kick good), Mills 7, Maumelle 0.
2nd Quarter
No scoring.
3rd Quarter
Maumelle – Derious Glover kickoff return for a touchdown (Dylan Moran kick), Mills 7, Maumelle 7.
Mills – Alan Hall 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown (kick good), Mills 14, Maumelle 7.
Mills – Zamarion McDonald 10-yard touchdown run (kick unsuccessful), Mills 20, Maumelle 7.
Mills – Zamarion McDonald touchdown run (kick good), Mills 27, Maumelle 7.
4th Quarter
Mills – Bryshun Cunningham 3-yard touchdown run (kick good), Mills 34, Maumelle 7.
Players Who Stood Out
Alan Hall, Mills — Returned a kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown immediately after Maumelle tied the game. Added an interception and an approximately 40-yard return that set up McDonald’s second rushing touchdown.
Zamarion McDonald, Mills — Scored two third-quarter rushing touchdowns. His first covered 10 yards immediately after a 16-yard run; his second extended Mills’ lead to 27-7.
Ja’Meion Reese, Mills — Caught the opening touchdown pass, intercepted a third-quarter pass and made a downfield reception on first-and-20 during Mills’ next touchdown drive.
Derious Glover, Maumelle — Returned the second-half opening kickoff for a touchdown, helping tie the game 7-7 just 13 seconds into the third quarter.
Winchell Wiggins, Maumelle — Rushed for 33 yards in the first half and converted a fourth-and-four with a second-quarter power run that continued a drive into Mills territory.