Marcum’s heroics lead East Prairie to 50-42 shootout victory over Malden

MALDEN, Mo. — In a high-scoring clash that saw the scoreboard working overtime, East Prairie outgunned Malden 50-42 to claim a thrilling victory on Friday, September 29.

The Eagles (2-4) soared to victory with all-purpose player Connor Marcum leading the charge, as he flaunted his exceptional skills by piling up 190 rushing yards, 124 receiving yards and five total touchdowns against the Green Wave (0-6).

“The game was an offensive shootout all game,” said East Prairie coach David Stalker. “[Marcum] is a special kid. The momentum didn't swing to either team all night. Being more disciplined offensively and some key takeaways won the game for us.

East Prairie's Tavion Ware (6) runs during a 50-42 win at Malden on Friday, September 29. (Photo courtesy of East Prairie High School)

“We played hard but our defense just wasn't clicking like it should have been,” he continued. “We have to work defense harder in practice if we want to be successful moving forward. Our offense was moving down the field and ultimately controlled the game for us.”

Marcum made several big runs, caught a 92-yard reception and also came up big on a one-handed, behind-the-legs catch on 3rd-and-long.

Brian Brazan had an early interception that allowed East Prairie to secure the advantage.

“The second half took a little bit to get going,” Stalker said. “We switched our defensive scheme and forced Malden to drive down the field. They completed the drive once but ultimately a key takeaway in a forced fumble by Tripp Shoemaker ended their final drive.

East Prairie sealed the game and was able to run out the clock after a big gain on a counter run by Marcum.

“Ty Wallace had a key block from the quarterback position on both of Connor’s big runs,” Stalker said. “Tavion Ware was a consistent hard downhill runner for most of the night that allowed our offense to operate. The offensive line looked much improved this game.”

Ware was the Eagles’ other top performer on offense, rushing 21 times for 136 yards and a touchdown, while Stalker pointed to Elijah Huus as a standout on defense.

“Elijah Huus had a big defensive game,” he said. “He did not have the stat line but was all over the field filling in gaps.”

East Prairie will host Doniphan (0-5), while Malden will play Portageville (5-1) at home on Friday, October 6.