MARION -- The Wildcats put together another decisive win at home Friday night, this time knocking off the Highland Bulldogs, 48-28.
Venson Newsom and Evan Noelle put together another impressive performance to lead the Wildcats to improving their record to 3-0.
On only the second play of the game, Newsom caught Noelle's pass to score.
Defensively, Jake Bruce came up with a fumble recovery deep in Bulldog territory. The Mario offense took over again with a 50-yard run by Lukas Schrum, followed by Noelle's 18-yard pass to Walker Fox that set up a short scamper by Deavon Mangrum for the Wildcats' second score.
The defense stepped up again when Michael Gunn recovered a fumble on the 2-yard line.
In the blink of an eye, Shrum broke free for an 84-yard touchdown.
Shrum had 18 carries for 248 yards on the night. Mangrum added 31 yards on six carries while Noelle kept the ball four times for 23 yards.
Noelle also completed 20-28 passes for 310 yards.
Marion receivers rounded out the effort. Bruce pulled in two passes for 31 yards. Fox snagged three for 39 yards and Gooch added six catches for 53 yards.
Newsom had the night's impressive numbers, grabbing nine passes for 187 yards.
The Wildcats will open South Seven Conference play on the road at Cahokia on Friday.
