Fulton opens District 6 play tonight at Southern Boone

Fulton senior running back Nazir McClain seeks to break past a Mexico defender during a game earlier this month in Mexico.
Fulton senior running back Nazir McClain seeks to break past a Mexico defender during a game earlier this month in Mexico.

FULTON, Mo. - The Fulton Hornets are hoping the lessons learned during a tough regular season will pay dividends tonight when the No. 6 seed Hornets open Class 3 District 6 play at No. 3 Southern Boone. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. in Ashland.

Three of the Hornets' six losses were by seven points or less. The agonizing losses, combined with their rugged North Central Missouri Conference schedule, has Fulton (3-6) battle-tested.

"We're hitting our stride at the right time. We're the six seed, but with a few touchdowns in a couple different games, we could've been a three," Fulton head coach Blake Logan said.

"They (Southern Boone) play in the Tri-County Conference, and I'll say that I think we're in the stronger conference, but that doesn't mean they're not a solid team. We like the matchup, but I think they're very well-coached and a very physical defense."

Southern Boone (6-3) enters tonight's contest on a three-game win streak after defeating Warsaw, Versailles and California in TCC play. The Eagles also defeated North Callaway, Wright City and School of the Osage earlier in the season.

Fulton not only shares common opponents with the Eagles in Osage and Versailles, but also a very similar offensive identity. Southern Boone operates primarily out of the spread, but places a major emphasis on establishing its running game.

"Counters are their base plays, they like to go a lot of two-back like we do as well," Logan said. "They'll run toss, trips and dual wide receivers, which are their base formations.

"Jackson Sartain, (Tristan John) and (Cooper Mange) are all good athletes and they're very physical kids. They punish tacklers and their offensive line is pretty good."

The Eagles routed Warsaw and Versailles by rushing for nearly 300 yards in each contest. It's no surprise the ground game has become the focal point of the offense after Southern Boone's starting quarterback suffered an injury.

Senior Seth Mueller began the season under center, but an injury to his hand in late August opened the door for junior Sam Stichnote to guide the Eagles' offense.

Stichnote has fulfilled the role of a game manager, seldom being called upon to take the top off the defense, but hardly makes a crucial mistake or turnover.

The Hornets will try to force Southern Boone to throw the ball as Stichnote struggled in losses to Blair Oaks, Eldon - ranked Nos. 2 and 6 in Class 3, respectively - and Hallsville.

Fulton was successful in executing that strategy last week against Kirksville as the Hornets rolled to a 28-7 home win and limited the Tigers to a meager 84 yards of total offense. Fulton held Kirksville senior running back Blake Lewis to only 29 yards rushing.

After their earlier struggles in defending run-heavy attacks, last week's performance provided the Hornets with a much-needed boost in morale.

"I think it was great for their confidence. The seniors played with a little different swagger that night," Logan said. "They played with a sense of urgency, like 'my time is running out.'

"The two interceptions on defense, all the kids getting a bunch of touches on offense and the way we played in all three facets of the game really did a lot for them."

Finally getting production from its running game is sure to be another confidence booster for Fulton. After going three consecutive weeks without 100 yards on the ground, the Hornets exceeded that mark against Kirksville.

Fulton gained 153 yards on the ground last week, with junior running back Taeon Logan leading the way with 56 yards on 15 carries. Junior Tyrese Vaughn - the Hornets' best offensive lineman - played his first game in nearly a month and immediately made an impact.

"He played well, he brings energy and confidence to our guys and you can see that on the offensive line," Blake Logan said. "We're really glad to have him back. If we had him all year I'm sure he would've been an all-conference lineman."

Fulton must find a way to exploit a Southern Boone defense which has been vulnerable at times this season. The Eagles were shredded for more than 600 yards but still prevailed in a 55-51 shootout against Osage, and also allowed more than 300 yards in a 30-7 loss to Blair Oaks.

"I think they swarm well to the ball and fly around as a defense. They're pretty solid overall," Logan said. "Their linebackers and defensive line are the toughest part of that unit.

"Our athletes match up well with theirs on the outside, but we have to make sure we sustain blocks and assignments. We have to be sound in the run and pass game."

If Fulton is unable to establish supremacy on the ground, the coaching staff has no problem turning to senior quarterback Cameron Vaughn. Vaughn played his best game of the season in the pocket last week, completing 7-of-8 passes for 128 yards.

The Hornets logged a season-high three pass plays of more than 30 yards against Kirksville, but will need to be balanced to outwit the Southern Boone defense.

"We need to stay ahead of the chains on offense. We can't get to first-and-20 because of a holding (penalty) or a false start," Logan said. "We need to stay on schedule offensively and we can't turn it over.

"If we win the turnover battle and play defense like we know we can, we'll be in good shape."

In other District 6 first-round matchups tonight, No. 1 seed Blair Oaks hosts No. 8 Missouri Military Academy, No. 2 seed Mexico - ranked 10th in Class 3 - is at home against No. 7 O'Fallon Christian, and No. 4 seed Wright City hosts No. 5 Winfield.

Related media:

Fulton Hornets Football Podcast [Southern Boone preview, Oct. 20, 2017]