"I'm just happy to get the win," Tilghman Coach Mike Rogers said. "I'm happy for our kids and our fans."
The Mustangs (0-1) drew first blood on big second quarter run by Cory Fike. The Mustang running back scampered 57 yards for a touchdown, putting McCracken up 7-0 with 8:05 left in the first half.
Tilghman (1-0) tied the game when Dunigan kept the ball on a quarterback sneak and ran it in from 17 yards out with 2:40 left in the half. The two teams went into the locker room tied 7-7.
Tilghman scored on its first possession of the third quarter, as Dunigan connected with Sayveon McEwen on an 8-yard touchdown pass. At the end of the third quarter, Tilghman led 14-7.
It looked like they would add to that lead early in the fourth quarter, but a long drive stalled when a bad snap resulted in a fumble, giving McCracken County the ball at its own 32-yard line.
On the very next play, however, the Mustangs gave the ball right back to Tilghman when Mustang quarterback Cash Jones was intercepted by McEwen, who returned it to McCracken's 37-yard line.
That turnover led to another score for Tilghman, as Dunigan ran it in from four yards out to put the Tornado up 21-7 with 8:32 left. McCracken had two final possessions, but turned the ball over on downs both times.
Tilghman outgained McCracken 289 to 210. On the ground, Tilghman had 208 yards to McCracken's 113. Most importantly, Tilghman controlled the clock, keeping the ball for more than 34 minutes of a 48 minute game.
Dunigan was stellar for Tilghman, completing 9 of his 11 passes. He also rushed for 46 yards. Jordan Overstreet led Tilghman's ground game with 59 yards on 11 carries.
Jones struggled in the passing game for McCracken, finishing 8 of 23 for 96 yards with two interceptions. Ethan Schaaf caught three passes for 60 yards.
Fike carried the ball seven times for 77 yards and a score. Zyaire Hughes had eight carries for 37 yards and five receptions for 36 yards.
The seven points scored by McCracken County were the fewest in school history.
Prior to Saturday night's game, former McCracken County Coach Jack Haskins was honored. Haskins retired at the end of last season after 36 years of coaching. He won 275 games, ranking him 13th in state history.
