Jimmy Lafakis/MDN MLS sophomore running back Gannon Hall (12) cuts upfield during Tuesday night's game in Mohall. The Mavericks defeated the Titans 40-8.

MOHALL — As players trekked through the Mohall mud, one notion became clear.

The Mohall/Lansford/Sherwood Mavericks were not going to sulk after initial struggles.

MLS took a 40-8 senior night victory over Towner/Granville/Upham on Tuesday evening, improving the Mavericks’ record to 7-2 (6-0 Region 3). The Titans fell to 3-5 (2-4 Region 3).

“We had a ton of kids contribute,” MLS co-head coach Cody Beck said. “Everybody stepped up and did their jobs. It pays off. I think we’re moving in the right direction as we get into the playoffs.”

Neither team scratched in the first quarter. However, the Mavericks diced the TGU defense for 24 points in the second frame.

MLS sophomore running back Gannon Hall contributed a one-yard touchdown run and a 70-yard kickoff return. TGU junior running back Cody Frounfelter found paydirt on a three-yard run between MLS touchdowns.

After MLS senior quarterback Nate Beha linked up with senior wide receiver Kaleb Foltyn, the Mavericks carried a 24-8 lead into halftime.

“We’re strong,” Beck said. “The kids are working hard. The defense is playing shutdown defense right now, as good as we can play. We definitely have a lot of weapons, and we can spread the ball around. It’s a nice luxury to have.”

The third quarter saw MLS senior running back Adam Southam punch the ball across the plane. After that, Beha found Foltyn for a 14-yard touchdown.

The running clock started after Foltyn’s second touchdown, and the score held at 40-8 for the game’s remainder. The Mavericks converted all five of their two-point opportunities in the contest.

“It’s a great group of guys to be around,” MLS senior tight end/linebacker Henry Savelkoul said. “I love being around that group of seniors. They’re all trying to make each other better. It makes everything more competitive and more fun.”

Savelkoul took time to acknowledge the enthusiastic MLS contingent.

“The fans have been really nice to us,” he said. “They have always supported us. It’s bittersweet, and hopefully we’ve got better things ahead of us. I guess we’ve got to move on.”

The Titans were unable to find an offensive rhythm after their second-quarter score. The Mavericks’ stout defense kept TGU in check.

“What I’ve learned about my team is that these guys don’t ever quit,” TGU head coach Ben Wollenzien said. “We’re awfully young, and we’ve been hit by the injury bug. That’s not an excuse, but these kids just keep coming back every day and work their butts off. There’s no quit in these guys, and we’re going to be better because of a night like this.”

The Mavericks advance to the 9-man state playoffs, but their opponent and location have yet to be determined. The Titans will travel to Ray/Powers Lake at 1 p.m. on Oct. 19.

“It was a rough start to the season,” Beck said. “But we’ve made some adjustments and the kids really stepped up and answered. It’s been really nice. Hopefully, we can get a win in the playoffs now.”

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.