Fuller’s four touchdowns lift Tigers past unbeaten Madison-Grant

Alexandria-Monroe overcomes early deficit, answers third-quarter challenge in 35–12 victory

Staff Report

FAIRMOUNT — Alexandria-Monroe came up empty on its first two possessions Friday night. Once the Tigers found the end zone, Madison-Grant struggled to keep them out.

Wyatt Fuller rushed for 241 yards and four touchdowns as Alexandria-Monroe rallied from an early deficit to defeat the previously unbeaten Argylls 35–12 in a Central Indiana Conference football game. The Tigers improved to 4–3, while Madison-Grant suffered its first loss and fell to 6–1.

A 21-point second quarter turned the game in Alexandria’s favor. The Tigers then answered Madison-Grant’s third-quarter touchdown with one of their own and used another takeaway to help put the game away.

The opening quarter belonged to the Argylls.

Madison-Grant stopped Alexandria on downs, then moved into scoring position behind runs by Harry Brooks and Skylar Landis. Brooks finished the possession with a 6-yard touchdown run. The two-point attempt failed, leaving the home team ahead 6–0.

Fuller supplied an immediate threat on Alexandria’s next possession, breaking a long run into Madison-Grant territory. But the Argylls held again, taking over on downs at their own 5-yard line and carrying their six-point lead into the second quarter.

A turnover changed the direction of the game.

Alexandria recovered a Madison-Grant fumble at the Argylls’ 27, giving its offense a short field. Andru Segner connected with Bryson Eckler for the Tigers’ first touchdown, and Ian Canfield’s extra point put Alexandria ahead 7–6.

The Tigers’ defense followed by forcing a punt. Fuller capped the ensuing possession with his first rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 14–6.

Another defensive stop created another opportunity. Alexandria moved deep into Madison-Grant territory, and Fuller added his second touchdown before halftime. Canfield’s kick made it 21–6, completing a quarter in which the Tigers erased their early frustrations with three unanswered scores.

Madison-Grant responded after the break.

The Argylls moved downfield on the opening possession of the third quarter, with Brooks again contributing on the ground. Facing fourth down near the goal line, Madison-Grant turned to Brooks for a 1-yard touchdown run. Another unsuccessful two-point attempt left the score 21–12.

With the margin trimmed to nine points, Alexandria delivered a critical answer.

Starting at their own 23, the Tigers drove into the red zone and finished with Fuller’s third rushing touchdown. Canfield converted again, restoring a 16-point cushion at 28–12.

Madison-Grant threatened to respond, moving into Alexandria territory through the air. But another fumble ended the possession, and the Tigers recovered at their own 25.

Alexandria turned that takeaway into its final scoring drive. The possession carried into the fourth quarter before Fuller scored his fourth touchdown, pushing the advantage to 35–12.

The Argylls still had an opportunity to cut into the margin. Dylan Martin connected with Hank Rudy on a long pass that brought Madison-Grant inside the Alexandria 10. The Tigers’ defense held near the goal line, however, taking over on downs at its own 1.

That stand preserved the 23-point lead. Alexandria later stopped Madison-Grant on downs again to finish the victory.

Fuller averaged 10.5 yards on his 23 carries, leading a Tigers rushing attack that produced 322 yards. Segner added 81 yards on 12 attempts, giving Alexandria another productive option on the ground.

Eckler caught six passes for 89 yards and the touchdown that first put the Tigers ahead. Canfield made all five extra-point attempts.

Abram Abshire, Wade Christopher and Camden Shelton each recorded 10 tackles for Alexandria. Shelton added two tackles for loss, while Bryan Rowland finished with nine tackles and a fumble recovery. Garrett Smith recovered the Tigers’ other fumble.

Madison-Grant had established the early lead and twice stopped Alexandria on downs in the first quarter. The Tigers’ response — three second-quarter touchdowns, an immediate answer after halftime and two fumble recoveries — turned that promising start for the Argylls into their first defeat.

Scoring by quarter

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Alexandria-Monroe	0	21	7	7	35
Madison-Grant	6	0	6	0	12