M.L. King ekes out win vs. McNair

For the second week in a row, M.L. King fans held their breath until the very last tick of the clock.

After a season-opening win over Southwest DeKalb, the Lions lost a heartbreaker at North Cobb last week, 24-21, and fell out of the AJC Class AAAAA Top 10 poll because of it.

This time the Lions were victorious over county rival McNair, 23-21, Friday night at Panthersville Stadium in DeKalb County.

King was McNair’s third-straight opponent from Region 2-AAAAA. The Mustangs (1-2) lost to Stephenson in the season opener and beat Redan last week.

After an off week, the Lions (2-1) start region play Sept. 26 against Luella.

“We need that week off to get ourselves physically ready and mentally prepared,” M.L. King coach Corey Jarvis said. “We’re beat up.”

Behind 21-17 with 7:30 left to play, King quarterback Cameron Myers electrified the crowd with a 53-yard run that ended with a stretch into the right corner of the end zone.

He was met at the goal line by a Mustangs defender, but his shove wasn’t enough to force Myers out of bounds.

Myers finished the game with 13 rushes for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Matt Brown added 167 yards on 19 carries for the Lions.

“That kid’s been hurt all year,” Jarvis said. “We’ve been trying to make sure he was ready to play. He’s a difference maker for our ball club. He makes a world of difference.”

McNair running back Arnold Walker ran for 138 yards and three touchdowns. His third score gave the Mustangs a 21-17 lead with eight minutes to play.

Myers’ touchdown run came on the ensuing possession.

“We knew [McNair] would be ready to play,” Jarvis said. “I didn’t expect anything less than what they gave us. Coach [Roderick] Moore always has them prepared. Mustang Pride is what they say.”