MAVERICKS STAMPEDE FROM BEHIND TO EARN HOMECOMING WIN

The Greenville Lions entered Marshall's homecoming game Friday night on a losing streak that spanned more than two years. Meanwhile the Mavericks hadn't lost a Homecoming contest since 1985 when Pine Tree got the upset.

The Lions almost not only ended their losing streak, they almost ended Marshall's homecoming winning streak.

The Mavericks had to stage a thrilling come-from-behind effort to secure the 35-33 win.

Marshall started the game in great shape as they intercepted Greenville's first offensive play and returned it to the Lion 8 yard line. The Mav's Justin Lattin punched it in and took a quick 7-0 lead just 15 seconds into the contest.

The Lions got it back immediately with a 80 yard touchdown score to tie the game 7-7 just 43 seconds into the game.

It looked like the Mavs were going to take another quick lead after the returned the kickoff to the Greenville 34 yard line, but a fumble at the 25 gave the ball back to the Lions.

The Mav defense held at midfield and Marshall would again use the legs of Justin Lattin to take a 14-7 lead with 2:30 left in the first quarter.

The Lions then went on a 76 yard drive that tied the game 14-14 with 8:19 left in the first half.

Each team traded punts for the remainder of the second quarter and it appeared as if it would enter the locker room in a tie, but the Lions snatched an errant Marshall pass and returned it for the Pick Six and 21-14 lead with only 0:37 seconds left until halftime.

The third quarter started with a disaster for the Mavericks as they muffed a snap for a punt and Greenvile pounced on it at the Marshall 3 yard line. The Lions cashed in on the gaffe and took a commanding 27-13 lead after the missed PAT with 10:04 showing.

Marshall then went on an impressive 74 yard yard drive inside the Greevnille 3 yard line, but failed to convert a 4th down play to give the ball back to the Lions. However, a roughing the passer call saved the day for the Mavs and they punched it in to cut the Greenville lead to 27-21 with 5: 35 left in the third.

It was then time for Greenville to have a grave mistake of their own as they muffed a punt and gave the ball to Marshall at the Lion 28 yard line.

Justin Lattin went back to work as he got yet another score and Marshall finally reclaimed the lead 28-27 with 39 seconds left until the final quarter.

The Lions were forced to punt again early in the fourth and Marshall drove 60 yards and Lattin got the call again to put the Mavs up 35-27 with 7:47 left in the game.

Another monumental blunder deep in their own territory would cost Marshall again as they fumbled the ball into their own endzone and Greenville fell on it for the touchdown. The Lions attempted a 2 point conversion, but failed and the Mavs were clinging to a 35-33 lead with 5:11 left in the contest.

The Maverick offense was unable to run out the clock and was forced to punt again, giving the ball to Greenville at their own 18 with 2:46 left in the game and down by 2. They only needed a field goal for the win.

Marshall's defense was able to stiffen and hold as they had a huge quarterback sack to 66put the Lions in dire straits. The Mavs ended Greenville's hopes with a huge intereception at the Lion 49 yard line with 1:34 left in the contest.

The Mavs would run out the clock and lay claim to the 41st consecutive homecoming win.

Marshall ended the game with 91 yards passing and 245 rushing for a total of 336 total yards.

Greenville finished with 46 yards passing and 162 on the ground for a total of 208 yards.

The win improves Marshall to (3-5) overall and and (2-3) in district play. The Mavericks keep their playoff hopes alive one more week as they prepare to hit the road next week against district-leading Terrell.