MK-8 Bullpups Blank Blountstown Tigers in Season Opener
The Marianna MK-8 Bullpups came out of the gate strong in their season opener, leaving no doubt about who controlled the field in Tuesday’s jamboree action against the neighboring Blountstown Tigers. From the opening whistle to the final horn, the Bullpups put on a show, storming to a 40-0 shutout victory.
The Bullpups wasted no time making a statement, putting up 12 unanswered points in the first quarter and following with 16 more in the second to take a commanding 28-0 lead into halftime. With the scoreboard already in their favor, the second half became an opportunity for younger players to shine. Even so, the Pups added six points in each of the final two quarters, closing out the night with a decisive victory and plenty of clean jerseys on the field.
Zach Cotton had the honor of scoring the first touchdown of the Bullpups’ 2025 campaign, breaking free for an 18-yard run to put Marianna on the board. The extra point fell short, but the 6-0 lead energized the team and the crowd. Moments later, Jalen “JuJu” Johnson powered his way to the end zone on a 23-yard run, giving MK-8 a 12-0 advantage at the end of the opening quarter.
The Bullpup defense kept the momentum rolling in the second quarter, with a thrilling 20-yard interception return for a touchdown that pushed the lead to 18-0. Kaegan Truitt muscled in the two-point conversion, stretching the advantage to 20-0. Johnson wasn’t done either, he found a seam in the Blountstown defense and sprinted 42 yards untouched for his second score of the night. Truitt again tacked on the conversion, giving Marianna a commanding 28-0 edge at the half.
With the game well in hand, the Bullpups showcased their depth after the break. Brody Brown broke free for a 34-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, adding another highlight to the night’s performance. The extra point was unsuccessful, but spirits were sky high as Marianna pushed ahead 34-0.
Brown wasn’t finished. In the fourth quarter, he showed off his arm, connecting with Bryson Royster on a seven-yard touchdown pass, the final dagger in a 40-0 rout.
It was a complete team effort for the Bullpups, who displayed both offensive firepower and a defensive wall that Blountstown couldn’t crack. With their first win secured in commanding fashion, the Bullpups looked ahead to hosting Grand Ridge on Tuesday night.
Fans are encouraged to check the school’s website and Facebook page for results from that matchup as the Bullpups aim to keep their momentum rolling into the season.