Lions hold off Mavericks rally in 42-27 win

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - The Tyler Lions defeated the Marshall Mavericks 42-27 in what featured a back-and-forth second quarter.

Tyler led 21-6 entering the quarter. With eight minutes to play in the half, Marshall cut into the lead. On first-and-goal at the 10, Doug Johnson scored a touchdown for the Mavericks. A penalty flag came out for unsportsmanlike conduct against Tyler on the play. Marshall converted the two-point try on the ensuing kickoff, cutting the Tyler lead to eight points.

The Lions answered through the air, with Raykell Ford connecting with Ja’Michael Cook from the Mavericks’ 40-yard line. Cook used his 6-foot-2 frame to make the catch. Tyler’s extra point was good, putting the Lions ahead 28-13.

Tyler went back to its passing game later in the quarter. Ford threw a pass that was intercepted by Marshall’s Denjh Montgomery, who returned it to the Tyler 21-yard line. The Mavericks could not score a touchdown on the possession and settled for a field goal.

The teams went into halftime with the Lions leading 28-16.

Tyler (1-0) plays Tyler Legacy in Week 2. Marshall (0-1) travels to Longview.