The Marvin Ridge Mavericks brought Parkwood’s four-win streak to a halt on Friday with a 28-18 victory over the Rebels. The Mavericks held Parkwood to barely half of their average stats in both rushing and passing, and capitalized on opportunities over the top throughout the night.

Typically more successful on the ground, the Mavericks took to the passing game on Friday, disarming some of Parkwood’s foremost defensive weapons. Parkwood’s defensive line and defensive backfield have been essential components in seeing the Rebels to their best start in five years; Marvin Ridge recognized this quickly, and forced them out of the equation. The Mavericks passed for 220 yards against the rebels, nearly doubling the passing yards of their previous conference contest against Monroe. Marvin Ridge ran for only 108 yards, less than half that of their previous contest, and well below their season average.

The Mavericks entered the contest with a record of 3-3, while the Rebels entered at 5-1. Although records may have indicated a Parkwood advantage, it is important to take into account the caliber of the Mavericks’ pre-conference competition, and possibly the history of the matchups between the two programs. Losses for the Mavericks entering into conference play included two 4A programs, and the undefeated Northwest Cabarrus Trojans, who currently rank in the top 10 in the state. The Mavericks have not lost to the Rebels since 2009.

Marvin Ridge is undefeated in conference play, and 4-3 on the year after the win at Parkwood. Their next game will be at Cuthbertson on Friday, October 18. The Rebels are 5-2; they will play against the undefeated Weddington Warriors this week.