Caruthersville too much for NMCC

NEW MADRID -- For every play the New Madrid County Central Eagles made, the Caruthersville Tigers answered with a bigger one.

The Tigers came away with a 41-14 win over NMCC on Friday night led by Caruthersville's quarterback Perry Middleton's three touchdown passes.

The Eagles led off the game with a 9-yard pass from NMCC quarterback G'Darius Stevenson to Lemonte Nelson giving the home team a 6-0 early advantage. However, three plays later, Caruthersville answered with a 79-yard pass from Middleton, who was on the run towards the sideline, complete to David Shaw giving the Tigers a 7-6 lead.

Another Middleton touchdown pass to Lennon Smith from 8-yards out put Caruthersville up 14-6. Three plays later, Graham Gardner returned an interception from seven yards out to put Caruthersville ahead 20-6.

NMCC pulled to within six points, 20-14, in the second half, but an 85-yard kickoff return by Peter Lloyd sealed the win for Caruthersville (5-0).

NMCC (1-4) was led by Stevenson's 127 yards on the ground.