Bruce uses balanced attack to outlast Falkner in offensive duel
Falkner, MS – Bruce’s Trojans remained unbeaten on the young season by outscoring Falkner 46‑35 in a non‑league shootout Friday night. The Trojans used explosive plays through the air, opportunistic defense and timely conversions to improve to 3‑0, while the Eagles slipped to 0‑3.
Game flow
Bruce seized a 22‑14 halftime edge behind quarterback Joshua Long’s arm and never relinquished it. Long completed 13 of 19 passes for 251 yards and four touchdowns. He connected with junior receiver Cayden Jones five times for 88 yards and three scores. Sophomore Jermaine Jackson added eight catches for 154 yards and a 71‑yard touchdown.
The Trojans’ ground game kept Falkner off balance. Sophomore back J.D. Glaspie churned out 92 yards on just nine carries, and freshman Jakobie Hatchett added 41 rushing yards and a touchdown while also converting three two‑point tries. Bruce built its lead to 38‑21 midway through the fourth quarter thanks to those conversions, and its defense protected the cushion with a pair of interceptions.
Falkner’s big night from Anthony Morgan
The Eagles were led by a heroic effort from senior Anthony Morgan. He rushed 16 times for 214 yards and two touchdowns (13.4 per carry). Morgan also completed a 38‑yard touchdown pass and hauled in a 47‑yard catch, finishing with a game‑high 299 all‑purpose yards. Junior receiver Malakhi Nunley added two grabs for 68 yards and a touchdown, and freshman Jordan Guerrero had a short scoring catch while also making seven tackles.
Defensive highlights
Bruce’s defense complemented its offense by forcing turnovers. Senior linebacker Marcus Brownlee led the way with 16 total tackles and 3.0 tackles‑for‑loss. Jackson and senior Sha’Marion McCain each intercepted a pass, while Brownlee and sophomore Bryson Gibson combined for a sack.
Falkner countered with big efforts from linebacker Colee Stroupe (11 tackles, 1.0 TFL) and freshman Tyson Alberson (eight total tackles), but the Eagles could not slow Bruce’s balanced attack. Junior kicker Abraham Alvarez kept Falkner within striking distance by converting all three PATs.
Looking ahead
The victory improved Bruce’s record to 3‑0 and extended its winning streak to three. The Trojans will travel to Coffeeville on Friday, Sept. 19 for another non‑league match‑up. Coffeeville enters 0‑3 after a 55‑6 loss to Water Valley. Falkner, now 0‑3, will look to snap a four‑game skid when it hosts winless Thrasher next Friday.
Key contributors
| Team | Player | Key statistics (short) |
|---|---|---|
| Bruce | QB Joshua Long | 13‑of‑19 passing, 251 yds, 4 TDs |
| WR Cayden Jones | 5 rec., 88 yds, 3 TDs | |
| WR Jermaine Jackson | 8 rec., 154 yds, TD; INT on defense | |
| RB J.D. Glaspie | 9 rushes, 92 yds | |
| LB Marcus Brownlee | 16 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 0.5 sack | |
| Falkner | RB/QB Anthony Morgan | 214 rush yds, 2 rush TDs; 38 passing yds, TD; 47 rec yds |
| WR Malakhi Nunley | 2 rec., 68 yds, TD | |
| WR/LB Jordan Guerrero | 2 rec., 15 yds, TD; 7 tackles | |
| LB Colee Stroupe | 11 tackles, 1.0 TFL |
Bruce’s aerial assault and timely defense ultimately proved decisive, outlasting Falkner’s big-play rushing attack. If the Trojans maintain this balance, they could make noise deeper into the Mississippi season.
