Mangham Dragons fall to St. Thomas Aquinas

The Mangham Dragons fell 36-18 to the St. Thomas Aquinas Falcons last Friday night.

The Falcons took at a quick 15-6 lead in the first quarter and ran that up to 36-12 at the half. Neither team scored in the third quarter but Mangham ralled for six points in the fourth, before ending the game with the final score of 36-12.

“St. Thomas really took it to us,” Mangham head coach Tommy Tharp said. “We made a bucket full of mistakes on both sides of the ball, and they took advantage of every one. The two committed SEC players are the real deal, unblockable at times along with extremely quick and athletic. Our kids played hard, but mistakes killed us. We are working extremely hard to get those cleaned up.”

Kyle Barfield went one for two in Mangham’s passing game, adding 31 yards to the tally by hitting Abdullah Rhone. Barfield also had 13 carries for 70 rushing yards while Rhone carried the ball 12 times for 147 yards.

The Dragons rolled up 312 yards and three touchdowns with their rushing game. Jakarie Nichols had it 17 times for 83 yards and a touchdown. Donovan Haynes had four carries for 22 yards and a touchdown. Andrew Sevier ran once for one yard and a touchdown.

The Dragons had a total of 42 tackles on defense. Jake Gulliot had six solo tackles including one sack for three yards.

Nichols, Dre Rogers and Julius Haley each had six tackles, Cedrick Straughter had four tackles, Amariss Chisley had three and Barfield, Joel Banks and Jermichael Harris had two each while Thomas Ausberry, Haynes, Rhone, Rodney Harmon, Cadence Winn, Madison Woodward Randy Gayden and Jesse Carroll had one each.

‘The Dragons now hold a 1-1 record as they travel to Delhi Charter for a non-league game Sept. 18. The Gators are 1-1 on the season following a 33-0 loss to Jena.

Delhi Charter is and does what Delhi Charter has always done,” Tharpe said. “They run power football and aggressive, attack style defense. You have to buckle your chinstrap up and play as hard as you can to compete with them. Special teams area sound and the option game always gives any team problems. We look forward to the challenge.”

Kick off will be 7 p.m. at Delhi Charter School.