Mexico has begun this season 2-0 after losing its home opener 49-14 tonight to Southern Boone. The Eagles (1-1) took a 42-7 halftime lead after four touchdowns by quarterback Austin Evans -- three for passing touchdowns -- and he finished with five in the game. Two of those were short passes turned into long scores by Brady Dapkus and Chase Morris.

Peyton Hoover scored Mexico's first points of the season via a five-yard touchdown run with seconds left in the first quarter. A long run by Hunter Cuno after a pitch and a reaching catch by Greydon Sewell in the red zone set up the touchdown. The Bulldogs (0-2) scored one more in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter with a running clock as Tyson Carr found Shantez Dorsey for a 50-yard touchdown down the left sideline.

Mexico hosts Odessa (2-0) at 7 p.m. next Friday.

• Van-Far 36 Russellville 6 in Vandalia. The Indians (1-1) play at Montgomery County next week.
• North Callaway 20 Macon 14 in Macon. The Thunderbirds (1-1) host South Callaway (1-1) next week.
• Centralia 65 Hallsville 36 in Centralia. The Panthers (2-0) play at Palmyra next week.

8-man football:

Paris 56 Slater 12 in Paris. The Coyotes (1-1) host North Shelby (0-2) next week.

Look for the stories in the Sept. 6, 2023, edition of the Mexico Ledger.