Football: Kadena gets a scare, but stays unbeaten

KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa – With Kadena’s well of running backs thinning out due to injuries, coach Sergio Mendoza reached for a freshman who responded to the call.

Markell Shelton rushed 21 times for 198 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, and Joey Putterbaugh’s extra-point kick proved to be the game winner as the Panthers rallied from a first-quarter deficit to edge island-rival Kubasaki 7-6 Friday at Ryukyu Middle School.

Shelton stepped in for starter Alfonso Mendez, who tweaked a leg on his only carry of the evening and sat the rest of the way.

“We knew Markell could step up,” Mendoza said. “He’s a freshman, but he runs way beyond his years.”

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