by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — South Haven for all intent and purposes was not expected to be the dominating force it has become in recent years after losing eight seniors from the previous season. But that is little consolation for the Cardinals today, who lost to Marais Des Cygnes Valley 48-18 in the first round of the Class 1A Div. 1 playoffs there.

The Cardinals finish the year at 8-2.

South Haven may have only itself to blame for this loss though. The Cardinals committed seven turnovers – five of those on fumbles and two on interceptions. That didn’t include three of the fumbles they recovered on their own. 

Penalty-wise, South Haven committed 18 infractions for 131 yards of penalties. MDCV had just seven for 70 yards.

In the end, South Haven had 267 yards in total offense. MDCV had 215. Yes, the Cardinals would outdistance the Trojans by 52 yards yet lose by 30 points.

South Haven would out-rush MDCV 267 to 60 yards. Yet the Cardinals could do nothing in the passing department going 0-of-9 with the two interceptions.

It was a frustrating end to a very good season for the Cardinals, who’s only regular season loss was to West Elk, which also got beat Tuesday to Yates Center 38-36.

MCDV built a 22-0 lead in the first quarter starting the game off with a 65-yard punt return for a touchdown. It was MCDV’s only punt return of the night.

After the Trojans would score on two passing plays, South Haven got on the board in the second quarter with an Antony Hawkins quarterback keeper for 29 yards to make it 22-6. MDCV scored on another pass play to make it 28-6. Then Hawkins was intercepted that resulted in another touchdown and MDCV was leading 34-6 at the half.

Trailing 42-6 going into the fourth quarter, South Haven would pick up a couple of rushing touchdowns by J.T. Yunker.

Yunker led South Haven with 183 yards rushing, while Hawkins had 80.

The full stats can be found here: South Haven 18 Marais Des Cygnes Valley 48