The Bulldogs won on Friday night but not the ones that Mexico wanted to win on Homecoming.
Mexico (3-4) lost 49-27 to Class 5 Rolla (4-3) to put Mexico's losing streak at three games and Rolla's winning streak at four games. Rolla went ahead 21-0 before Mexico answered with touchdowns from D'Naz Smith and Marshall Ball to cut the deficit to 21-14. Mexico cut the deficit to 28-21 after its first drive of the third quarter, but Rolla's option offense was difficult to stop all night.
Mexico finished with 293 yards on the ground, but Rolla ran for 294 yards and Blaine Sbabo threw for 126 yards and had 217 yards on offense. D’Naz Smith led Mexico by running for 165 yards and three touchdowns on 11 carries. Marshall Ball finished with 73 yards on seven carries, including a 46-yard touchdown.
Seniors for football, band, cheerleading and cross country were recognized before the game for Senior Night. Right before the game, longtime track and field coach Bucky Green was recognized for his service by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a MU Health Care helicopter landed at the 50-yard line to deliver the game ball to Mexico alum and breast cancer survivor Alexandria Nunnelly for Pink Out Night. Joslyn Clay was crowned Homecoming Queen to end the busy night.
Read the full story in the Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 edition of the Mexico Ledger.
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