Football Recap: Justin Murry and Monta Haynes Lead the Defense for Marshall Win

Marshall won the last time they faced Nacogdoches and things went their way on Friday too. The Mavericks strolled past the Dragons with points to spare, taking the game 42-28. The final result isn't all that surprising considering the Mavericks' considerable advantage in MaxPreps' Texas football rankings (they are ranked 123rd, while the Dragons are ranked 387th).

Alton Henderson was his usual excellent self, rushing for 161 yards and a pair of touchdowns while picking up 8.9 yards per carry, and also throwing for 66 yards and one TD.

Marshall's run defense was locked in: Nacogdoches could only muster 3.1 yards per carry. While three picked up at least five total tackles, Brandon Richardson stood above the rest. He picked up two sacks, forced one fumble, and made five total tackles. Marshall's run defense has been on the up-and-up: they allowed 4.16 yards per carry earlier this season, but they've only allowed 7.5 on average over their last five games.

Monta Haynes

Passes Defensed

10/24/25 vs Nacogdoches	1
10/17/25 @ Jacksonville	2
10/10/25 vs Texas	1
10/03/25 @ Mt. Pleasant	2

Marshall didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Justin Murry and Monta Haynes. Haynes is also on a roll when it comes to defended passes, as he's now defended at least one in each of the last four games he's played. Marshall received some extra help from Da'Vaughn Tucker, whose fumble return for a touchdown made for one of the most unforgettable moments.

Several Dragons players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Micah Lockett, who picked up 161 receiving yards and one score. Lockett was no stranger to the big play, cutting upfield on a catch that went for 57 yards. Trae Page was another key rusher, gaining 105 total yards and two touchdowns.

Marshall has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 6-2 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 32.5 points over those games. As for Nacogdoches, their defeat ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 6-2.

We've got plenty of inter-district action coming up soon. Marshall is set to take on their familiar foe Hallsville at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, Nacogdoches will face off against rival Mt. Pleasant at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.