Syrupmakers take out Tornadoes 33-7

The Cairo Syrupmakers got back on the winning track and picked up their first region win of the year, as they took out the Monroe Tornadoes 33-7 this past Friday night in Albany. The Tornadoes jumped out to a 7-0 lead on their opening drive of the night, but the Syrupmakers responded in their first road game of the season with 33 unanswered points to pick up the win. The Syrupmakers, leading 12-7 at intermission, did most of their damage in the second half.
After the Tornadoes scored on their opening drive, Cairo responded with a touchdown on a combination of runs and passes on their next drive. Quarterback Steven Bench bulled in from one yard out, the Syrupmaker’s extra point was wide, and the Tornadoes held on to a 7-6 lead. However, the Makers would score again on their next drive, helped by a big run by Bench and Terrell Cason finishing the touchdown drive. The extra point was no good, but the Makers now led 12-7 and took that lead to locker room.
In the second half, the Syrupmakers took control of the game, rolling up 21 fourth quarter points on touchdowns by Bench on a 36-yard run, a 35-yard interception for touchdown by Donald Thomas and a 49-yard touchdown pass to Zaye Donaldson from Bench with 7:43 to play in the game.
Overall, the Syrupmakers performed well, committing just 4 penalties on the night for 40 yards and one turnover. The Tornadoes turned the ball over once, as well, but committed 10 penalties for 62 yards. Cairo punted three times for a 43.3 yard average, while the Tornadoes punted five times for a 31.2 yard average.
The Syrupmakers cranked out 187 yards rushing, led by Steven Bench’s seven carries for 118 yards. Terrell Cason had 15 carries for 51 yards on the night. Bench, was 5 for 7 for 87 yards, including the picture perfect 49-yard touchdown pass to Donaldson. In all, Zaye Donaldson finished with three catches for 74 yards and a touchdown.
Cairo finished with 274 yards of offense. The Tornadoes racked up yardage, but not many points as the home team rushed 28 times for 87 yards and passed 13 times for 176 yards and one interception.