CARTHAGE — Penalty after penalty against Nixa's offense Friday negated any hope of sustaining drives early on and led to the Eagles' 38-7 loss to Carthage

Tigers signal caller Zeke Sappington scored on a 17-yard scamper on Carthage's opening possession and the boys in blue never looked back.

A false start and a turnover on fourth down by Nixa gave the Tigers prime real estate with which to work.

Junior running back Tyler Mueller hit the holes with authority, as the versatile back found the end zone on a 2-yard run with 1:27 remaining in the first half.

A 39-yard touchdown reception by wideout Jayden Morgan put the Tigers up 14-0 on the Tigers' second possession.

Balance was part of the equation for Mueller and his counterparts — from quarterback draws to reverses to jump cuts by the running backs to a stout, stingy defense.

Tucker Downing added a 76-yard touchdown touchdown run for Carthage.

Rehagen and his Eagles will look for a different outcome in their Aug. 31 home opener against Republic.

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