The running game lives for the Ignacio High School football team.
IHS senior Blaine Mickey ran for 98 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries in the Bobcats’ 26-19 win over John Mall on Friday in Walsenburg.
It was the Bobcats’ first win of the season after they played two Class 2A teams and two Class 1A playoff teams before league play.
Mickey opened the scoring with an 11-yard touchdown run with 4 minutes, 33 seconds left in the first quarter.
IHS (1-4, 1-0 Southern Peaks League) senior quarterback Adison Jones found junior Wyatt Hayes from two yards out to extend the lead to 12-0 at halftime.
Evan Gonzales responded for John Mall (2-3, 0-1 SPL) right out of halftime with a 26-yard touchdown run to cut Ignacio’s lead to 12-7.
The Jones to Hayes connection produced another touchdown with 7 minutes, 31 seconds left in the third quarter, this time from 69 yards out.
Jones finished 9-of-14 passing for 211 yards and the two touchdowns.
John Mall scored on two safeties to cut Ignacio’s lead to 20-11 but fumbled the second kick return.
Mickey found the endzone from 43 yards out to give IHS a 26-11 lead.
Gonzales put the Panthers within striking distance with a 16-yard run as the third quarter expired.
Neither team scored in the fourth quarter, as Hayes ended the game with an interception to seal Ignacio’s first victory.
The Bobcats will continue their three-game road swing at 7 p.m. Friday at Monte Vista.
heraldsports@ durangoherald.com
