Football Recap: Tj Smith's Menacing Defense Leads Emerson over Denison

After having lost a blowout in their previous game against Walnut Grove, Emerson was happy to have turned things around on Friday. They came out on top against the Denison Yellow Jackets by a score of 31-21. Considering the Mavericks' offense had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.

The critical scores for Emerson came from Tj Smith, Brady Mensik, Presha Allen, and Roman Edwards.

Emerson didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited Denison to a completion percentage of just 43.2%. That dominant aerial defense primarily came from two players: Kaden Reyes and Edwards, who each logged one passes deflected. Emerson wasn't nearly as limited: they posted one of 75%.

Mavericks

Interceptions

Tj Smith	1
Kaden Reyes	1
Roman Edwards	1

Emerson didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Smith, Reyes, and Edwards picked up one apiece. Smith is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made eight or more in each of the last three games he's played. Edwards got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.

Despite the loss, Denison still got an impressive performance from Brandon Douglas, who picked up 167 receiving yards and one touchdown.

The win got Emerson back to even at 2-2. As for Denison, their loss was their first of the season and makes their record 2-1.

Emerson wasted no time getting back out on the field and has already played their next matchup, a 28-17 victory against Memorial on the 26th. As for Denison, they also didn't take long to hit the field again: they've already played their next game, a 56-7 defeat against Walnut Grove on the 26th.