MHS led Jackson Heights by just seven points entering the final period, but held off the Cobras for a 28-20 win Friday at Stan Braksick Sports Complex.

The Bulldogs (3-0) made quick work of their first two opponents, winning by 35 and 42 points. However, a Jack Courtney touchdown pass to Sergio Hernandez in the second quarter provided the only first-half points against JHHS (0-3), as McLouth took a 7-0 lead into the break.

The Cobras took the lead with a touchdown and two-point conversion early in the third quarter, but MHS answered with a 45-yard scoring run from Hernandez. Heights went back in front, 14-13, but Hernandez scored again — this time on a 70-yard kickoff return — to make it 21-14 MHS at the end of the third.

Courtney gave the Bulldogs their first two-possession lead on a one-yard run in the fourth quarter. Jackson Heights couldn’t capitalize on an interception with about five minutes left in the period, but got back within one score in the game’s final seconds. McLouth hung on when the Cobras failed to recover an onside kick.

Jace Carlton led the MHS rushing attack once again, racking up 111 yards on 14 carries, while Hernandez added 87 yards on seven carries. Courtney threw just six passes, but completed four of them for 66 yards, including a 39-yard strike to Jack Arnett. The Bulldogs finished with 331 total offensive yards.

McLouth will hit the road Friday for a non-league meeting with Royal Valley in Hoyt. The Panthers are 1-2 this season, including a 55-13 loss to Santa Fe Trail last week. The Bulldogs will return home the following week for a homecoming tilt with rival Oskaloosa.