Briefly: Defensive stands leads to 29-28 win for Malden football over Caruthersville

MALDEN, Mo. -- Malden senior defensive lineman Zach Gray knocked down Caruthersville quarterback Peyton Faulkner's pass on fourth-and-5 with 1, minute, 51 seconds remaining and the Green Wave held on for a 29-28 victory over the rival Tigers on Friday night.

Senior running back Nick Thompson had a team-high 95 all-purpose yards, putting Malden (2-0) up for good with a 2-yard touchdown run at the end of the third quarter.

Tyler Currie started the scoring with a 1-yard rushing touchdown five minutes into the game and Kylus Thompson gave the Green Wave momentum heading into the locker room with a 36-yard run 29 seconds before halftime.

The Tigers responded each time Malden scored, especially Faulkner, who ran in all four of Caruthersville's scores. The senior finished with 227 total yards.

Caruthersville (0-2) had 281 total yards of offense and turned the ball over once on an interception by Jace Brown.

The Green Wave, who ended with 273 total yards, host Portageville Friday.