Mexico was within striking distance on Friday night in Kirksville but couldn't keep its season alive.
The Bulldogs lost 26-12 to Kirksville (3-7) in a Class 4 District 5 tournament game. Mexico (3-7) outgained Kirksville on the ground with 220 yards compared to 156 yards but also had three fumbles – losing two – and seven penalties for 75 yards to lose its second game to Kirksville and sixth in a row to end the season.
Marshall Ball led Mexico with 70 rushing yards on 13 carries and ran in a one-yard touchdown to make Mexico’s deficit 20-12 in the third quarter. Connor Fisher ran 52 yards on eight carries, Kyler Benne had 101 offensive yards, and James Matthews had all three catches for 52 yards. Matthews took a screen pass from Benne for 42 yards to score a touchdown and make Mexico’s deficit 7-6 in the first quarter.
On defense, Kael Smith led Mexico with 16 tackles, Roman Kelly followed with 12 tackles, and John Kelly had five tackles in his final game as a Bulldog.
Kirksville quarterback Joel Feeney had 116 yards on 9-for-20 passing and 60 rushing yards for three total touchdowns. He connected on two passes downfield in or near the end zone for touchdowns. Blake Nesbitt had 87 yards and a touchdown on five catches.
Read the full story in the Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, edition of the Mexico Ledger.
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