By Bill Templeton

Sports Writer

MIDDLESBORO — The Middlesboro Yellow Jackets used two pivotal defensive plays in the fourth quarter to post their first win of the still-young season with a 14-12 victory Friday over visiting Holy Cross (Covington).
And both plays were made by freshmen.
A fumble recovery for a touchdown by Kordell Partin, followed by a defensive stop made by Cameron Mosely on a conversion run that would have tied the score were keys to the victory.
“It was a good win for our kids,” veteran Middlesboro coach Larry French said. “It was a long time coming, but finally got to celebrate. We needed this to pick up spirits a little bit.
“Our practice preparation was pretty good this week. Everybody was prepared for what they needed to do.”
Trailing 6-0 at halftime, Middlesboro senior Vincent Smith rumbled into the end zone from 8 yards out to tie the score during the third quarter. It marked the Yellow Jackets’ first rushing touchdown of the season.
With the score deadlocked at 6-6, Partin picked up the loose football at the 20-yard line and sprinted into the end zone for the go-ahead score midway through the fourth quarter. Smith’s two-point conversion run made it, 14-6.
Holy Cross answered on the ensuing possession to set up the heroics by Mosely, who ran untouched on a blitz and stopped the Indians’ ball carrier in his tracks.
Following the crucial stop, Middlesboro ran out the clock from its own 3-yard line.
“Moseley went through on a blitz and hit the running back as soon as he got the ball,” French said.
Freshman Jake Tinnell rushed for a Middlesboro team-high of 60 yards on just six carries, while Smith chipped in with 43 rushing yards on 10 carries. Junior Mekhi Young added 31 rushing yards on just three carries for the Yellow Jackets, who totaled a season-best 125 team rushing yards.
Middlesboro sophomore quarterback Deakon Partin completed 11 of his 19 pass attempts for 125 yards and a pair of interceptions. Partin’s favorite target was senior Xavion Shehan, who hauled in six catches for 67 yards.
Defensively, Middlesboro yielded just 108 rushing yards by Holy Cross and just 25 yards via the air.
Next up for the Yellow Jackets is a road contest Friday at Lynn Camp to open district play.

Middlesboro 14, Holy Cross (Covington) 12

Holy Cross 0 6 0 6 — 12
Middlesboro 0 0 6 8 – 14