The Morris Eagles opened their 2025 football season Sept. 5, falling to the Hartshorne Miners by a final score of 26-6. Despite a valiant second-half effort and a strong ground game led by senior running back Chase Bumgarner, the Eagles were unable to overcome a slow start and a 20-point halftime deficit.

— First-Half Woes Set the Tone

Hartshorne struck first and set the tone with a 19-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, though the point-after attempt failed, giving the Miners a 6-0 lead. In the second quarter, Hartshorne extended their advantage with a 19-yard touchdown pass and a 2-yard rushing score. The Miners added a successful two-point conversion on their third score, jumping out to a 20-0 lead before halftime.

The Eagles struggled to find offensive rhythm in the opening two quarters, managing only 24 total passing yards and being held scoreless through the first three frames.

— Eagles Show Life in the Fourth

Morris broke onto the scoreboard in the fourth quarter with an 8-yard touchdown run by Bumgarner – his lone trip to the end zone despite a heavy workload throughout the game. The Eagles failed to convert the extra point, leaving the score at 20-6.

Any hopes of a late comeback were dashed when the Miners answered with a 35-yard touchdown run of their own to seal the final margin at 26-6.

— Offensive Bright Spots

Though the scoreboard didn’t reflect it, the Eagles’ offense showed promise, especially in the run game. Quarterback Landon Martin completed 2 of 12 passes for 18 yards, with Hunter Hodges and Ethan Edwards each pulling in key receptions. Hodges finished with 2 catches for 18 yards, while Edwards added 6 yards on one catch.

On the ground, Grant Clay added 55 yards on 14 carries, providing a reliable change-of-pace option behind Bumgarner. Martin had one rushing attempt but was tackled for a 3-yard loss.

— Defensive Standouts

Defensively, Morris matched Hartshorne in first downs (13 each) and total plays (Morris ran 72 compared to Hartshorne’s 66), a testament to their ability to battle in the trenches.

Hunter Hodges led the team with 8 total tackles (1 assist), while Jaxson Rowland had 7 tackles and 1 sack. Chase Bumgarner contributed defensively as well with 5 tackles and 2 assists. Easton Smith recorded a sack and a tackle for loss, while Trent Whitaker and Isaiah Taylor each added 2 assisted tackles. Clay, Dakota Andrews, Dre Lewis, and Gavin Ausbrooks also made contributions on defense.

Bumgarner added a defensive highlight with an interception and fumble recovery – two of the Eagles’ three forced turnovers. However, Morris also gave up one fumble of their own and was penalized 11 times for 81 yards, significantly more than Hartshorne’s 8 penalties for 59 yards.

— Team Stats

Category Morris Hartshorne Total Yards 188 299 Rushing Yards 164 168 Passing Yards 24 61 First Downs 13 13 Turnovers 1 2 3rd Down Eff. 2/13 (15%) 5/14 (36%) 4th Down Eff. 2/6 (33%) 2/5 (40%) Penalties 11/81 Yards 8/59 Yards Despite out-gaining the Miners on the ground, Morris’ inability to convert on third downs (just 15%) and red zone chances proved costly.

— Special Teams & Field Position

The Eagles had difficulty gaining field position through returns. Their kickoff and punt return units averaged 0 yards on a combined 6 returns. Punting also struggled to flip the field, as the Eagles averaged 0 yards per punt on three attempts.

— Looking Ahead: Morris vs. Liberty

With Week 1 in the rearview mirror, Head Coach Jimmy Whitlock and the Morris Eagles now turn their attention to this week’s home game against Liberty. Morris will look to clean up penalties, improve third-down execution, and capitalize on the momentum created by the defense.

The Eagles will need to bring a complete effort to secure their first win of the season, and fans can expect an energized performance in front of the home crowd.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. this Friday. — Morris Stats Passing

• Landon Martin: 2/12, 18 yards

• Chase Bumgarner: 1/7, 6 yards Rushing

• Chase Bumgarner: 26 att, 112 yards, 1 TD (long 17)

• Grant Clay: 14 att, 55 yards

• Landon Martin: 1 att, -3 yards Receiving

• Hunter Hodges: 2 rec, 18 yards (long 11)

• Ethan Edwards: 1 rec, 6 yards Defensive Tackles

• Hunter Hodges: 8 tkl, 1 ast

• Jaxson Rowland: 7 tkl, 1 ast, 1 sack, 1 TFL

• Chase Bumgarner: 5 tkl, 2 ast

• Easton Smith: 2 tkl, 1 ast, 1 sack, 1 TFL

• Trent Whitaker: 2 tkl, 2 ast

• Isaiah Taylor: 2 tkl, 2 ast

• Grant Clay: 3 tkl

• Gavin Ausbrooks: 2 tkl, 1 ast

• Dakota Andrews: 2 tkl, 1 ast

• Dre Lewis: 2 tkl

• Ethan Edwards: 2 tkl Defensive Highlights

• Chase Bumgarner: 1 INT, 1 Fumble Recovery