Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1049711
30 PREP RALLY PLAYOFF: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 CLASS 2A e Rattlers focused on stopping Taylor and the Dragons turned to fullback Malachi West, who scored three touchdowns and has over 600 yards rushing on the season. Jesse Quick is also a threat with over 500 yards rushing for the Dragons, who average 40 points per game. "Our offense is one where you have to respect more than just one guy," Taylor said. "at makes it better for all of us." Mountainburg had won six consecutive games before losing 26-22 last week at Hector to end the regular season. e loss slowed the Dragons' momentum and forced them to share the conference championship with Hector, which overcame a 22-14 deficit in the third quarter. Hector earned a first- round bye with the win. "You can take it two ways aer losing a game like that," Taylor said. "I'm not going to worry about it. I'm going to learn from it and move on." Taylor is an all-around athlete who is also a top player for the basketball team at Mountainburg. Aer high school, he plans to attend college, perhaps at Ouachita Baptist, and pursue a degree in the medical or nursing profession,. For now, he's focused on extending his football career and the season for the Dragons as long as possible. "I've been playing football at Mountainburg since I was in kindergarten," Taylor said. "We've all grown up together. I want to keep winning for my teammates." TAMMY HOBSON/SPECIAL TO THE NWA DEMOCRAT_GAZETTE Austin Taylor of Mountainburg dives into the end zone against Hackett in a 2017 game. Mountainburg is the No. 2 seed in the 2A-4 Conference and will host Parker Chapel in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs. Hackett will travel to Mountain Pine.