Marion Football

Marion escapes upset-minded Mustangs

MOUNT VERNON -- Every year, Marion and Mount Vernon high schools meet on the football field to do battle. Marion has been known to dominate the series, as they have outscored the Mustangs 172-13 in the past four years.

In Friday night’s football season opener at Mustang Field in Mount Vernon, Marion thought a little too much about the past.

Mount Vernon stunned Marion, and presumably most people in attendance, as they took a quick 10-0 lead in the first quarter behind the arm of senior quarterback Jacob Timm.

Despite finding themselves in an early hole, the Indians righted the ship and found a way to make history repeat itself, sliding by Mount Vernon 14-10 in an exciting prep football opener.

“It wasn’t a good performance by us,” said Marion Coach Tony Perkins. “Coach (Duane) Orr should be complimented because their kids have come a long way in a year. They played with a lot of heart and played physical football tonight, and I thought we came out tonight really soft.”

Mount Vernon got the scoring started early in the first when kicker Jordan Roe blasted a 36-yard field goal through the uprights to push the Mustangs ahead 3-0.

Marion didn’t seem to have an answer for Timm, who found a weak spot in middle of Marion’s secondary. Late in the first quarter he orchestrated a 70-yard drive, completing two lengthy passes, and found Jack Keleher for a 6 yard touchdown with 50 seconds left in the quarter.

“That is just not Marion football,” said Perkins.

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McDonald is a big 'hit' for Marion Indians

Jake McDonald averaged 6.2 yards every time he carried the ball for the Marion Indians last year as the starting fullback, so he's a very capable member of the offensive backfield and a good weapon for Coach Tony Perkins.

But running with the football is not his first love. It's not what he wants to play in college next year, and it's not why Upper Iowa, Winona State and others are on his trail.

McDonald is an all-state linebacker. He loves to hit people on a football field. It makes him happy.

"Defense is my pride," he said with a smile.

McDonald made 96 solo tackles in 10 games last season. That ranked eighth among all players in the state, according to the IHSAA, and helped the Indians qualify for the Class 3A playoffs.

McDonald played very well, but Perkins thinks he can do even better this year.

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QB Cannoy gets green light for Marion Indians

Marion High School senior Cale Cannoy received a clean bill of health from his doctor Monday morning and has been cleared to play quarterback for the Indians this season.

Cannoy suffered a partially torn ligament in his left throwing elbow in early June during the baseball season and was not allowed to throw a baseball or football for two months. He did some light throwing in Marion's practices last week and now has permission to start putting more zip on the ball.

"He got the green light," Cannoy's father, Mike, said Monday night. "The doctor said everything looked great. There was no tenderness. He said you're good to go."

"There were a lot of smiles on Cale's face when he heard the news," Mike Cannoy said.

The doctor told Cannoy he's free to start throwing a baseball again, but advised he wait until after the football season.

Cannoy probably will play defense with a precautionary brace on his left arm, but will try throwing with and without the brace to see if he wants to wear it on offense.

Cannoy appears on target for Marion Indians

Cale Cannoy tossed a series of tight spirals for the Marion Indians at practice Monday night and is confident he'll be fully cleared to play quarterback this season.

Cannoy suffered a partially torn ligament in his throwing elbow on June 3 during the baseball season and wasn't allowed to throw a ball for two months, but the lefthander appeared to be throwing free and easy Monday as the Indians opened preseason camp.

"It feels fine," he said. "It doesn't hurt or anything."

Cannoy will see his doctor on Monday, Aug. 15 to get a final medical opinion. If the doctor turns him loose, he'll be able to fully participate in drills with the Indians. Until then, he'll throw lightly and not rush his recovery.

"I'm a little nervous, but chances are I'm fine," he said. "I'm ready to go. I'm getting happier by the day, because I can throw more and more and help my team out."

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