Sinclair’s four touchdown runs lead Cross County past Marianna Lee

October 16, 2026 | Hooten’s Arkansas Football

MARIANNA — Alex Sinclair ran for 4 touchdowns, and Cross County scored the game’s first 24 points on its way to a 53-26 victory over Marianna Lee on Friday night.

The Thunderbirds led 24-6 after the first quarter, 38-14 at halftime and 46-14 entering the fourth. Sinclair scored once in the opening quarter, twice in the second and again on Cross County’s first possession after halftime.

Ryan Lamb recovered Marianna’s short opening kickoff, and Ayden Kraft scored on Cross County’s first offensive play. The Thunderbirds added the conversion for an 8-0 lead. They recovered the ensuing kickoff, and Briar Swaite’s run moved the ball near the goal line. Sinclair finished the possession, with Kolby Walker adding the two-point run.

Cross County stopped Marianna on fourth down before Lamb scored the Thunderbirds’ third touchdown. Sinclair ran for the conversion, making it 24-0. Marianna answered on fourth-and-goal with a touchdown pass, but Cross County quickly extended its advantage in the second quarter.

Walker broke tackles on a run deep into Marianna territory, setting up Sinclair’s next touchdown. Kraft added the conversion for a 32-6 lead. After Marianna scored and converted, Noah Carnell returned the kickoff into scoring territory. Sinclair finished that possession with another touchdown run, giving Cross County its 38-14 halftime advantage.

Walker supplied another long run on the opening possession of the third quarter. Sinclair carried through the middle for his fourth touchdown, and Walker’s conversion pushed the margin to 46-14.

Marianna scored on a long pass early in the fourth quarter. Carnell answered with a touchdown run, and Kaycen Wilson kicked the extra point for Cross County’s final points. Carnell also broke up a pass later in the quarter. Dalton Mckenzie stopped a Marianna runner short of the goal line before the Trojans scored on a pass; Mckenzie then deflected the conversion attempt.

The Thunderbirds earned their first conference victory after opening league play with three losses, according to the school broadcast. Marianna scored twice in the final quarter, but Cross County’s early advantage remained intact.

Scoring summary

First quarter • 11:43 Cross County — Ayden Kraft run (two-point conversion good). Cross County 8, Marianna Lee 0.

First quarter Cross County — Alex Sinclair run (Kolby Walker run). Cross County 16, Marianna Lee 0.

First quarter Cross County — Ryan Lamb run (Sinclair run). Cross County 24, Marianna Lee 0.

Second quarter Cross County — Sinclair run (Kraft run). Cross County 32, Marianna Lee 6.

Second quarter Cross County — Sinclair run (conversion unsuccessful). Cross County 38, Marianna Lee 14.

Third quarter Cross County — Sinclair run (Walker run). Cross County 46, Marianna Lee 14.

Fourth quarter Cross County — Noah Carnell run (Kaycen Wilson kick). Cross County 53, Marianna Lee 20.

Players who stood out

Alex Sinclair, Cross County: 4 touchdown runs: 1 in the first quarter, 2 in the second and 1 in the third. Added a two-point run.

Noah Carnell, Cross County: Fourth-quarter touchdown run; a long kickoff return set up a second-quarter touchdown, and he later broke up a pass.

Kolby Walker, Cross County: Long runs set up Sinclair touchdowns in the second and third quarters; added two successful two-point runs.

Ayden Kraft, Cross County: Scored on Cross County’s first offensive play and added a second-quarter two-point run.

Ryan Lamb, Cross County: Recovered Marianna’s opening short kickoff and scored a first-quarter rushing touchdown.