Facing a familiar opponent in Muhlenberg County, McLean County never fully found its stride, falling 18-0 at home to Muhlenberg County on Friday.
After picking up an early first down, the Cougars’ opening drive was derailed by an offsides penalty and a tackle for a loss in the backfield.
Starting from their own 25, the Mustangs ate up just over seven minutes of clock, culminating in a 6-0 lead after missing the extra point. On their ensuing drive, McLean County fumbled on their own 30, but a defensive stand held the Tigers to a field goal.
McLean County entered halftime trailing 12-0 after Muhlenberg County tacked on another field goal. In the second half, the Cougars’ defense held the Tigers to only a late fourth-quarter touchdown, but the offense wasn’t able to reach the end zone.
Head Coach Zach Wagner attributed the game to Muhlenberg County controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
The Cougars return to action next Friday at 7 p.m. when they travel to Caverna.
