By Ashton Jeanlewis
Special to The News

HOUSTON — Memorial made the most of a 97-mile road trip for the regular season finale at Delmar Stadium against the Austin Mustangs.

The now 9-1 Titans rolled versus Austin 46-14, and it started from play No. 1. Javontae Hopkins took the opening carry 80 yards for a 14-second drive and a quick 7-0 lead, starting a night that would result in 217 yards with three touchdowns for Hopkins.

Memorial (9-1, 6-1 in 9-5A-I) nearly earned a share of the district championship, but New Caney (9-1, 7-0) knocked off Porter in double overtime, 34-28, to win it outright.

The Titans dominated early with a 23-0 halftime score despite the struggles from the passing game with just 78 yards at halftime mostly due to pressure from the Mustangs.

The defensive effort stifled any Austin hopes of scoring, allowing only two Mustang offensive series in Memorial territory. Combined with six three-and-outs, two interceptions (one from Hopkins and the other from Jatavian Neal), a safety, and four sacks, the Titans imposed their will pitching a first-half shutout.

The only scores for Austin on the night came on defense, a pick-six and fumble recovered in the end zone, both in the second half. Memorial left no doubt on either side of the ball despite losing the turnover the battle 3-2.

The powerful run game helped the Titans run away to a 46-14 final in Brian Morgan’s inaugural season as head coach. With the regular season in the rear view, the Titans turn their attention to the postseason.

After missing out on the playoffs in 2014 and 2015, the Titans have made back-to-back runs to regional semifinals, setting high expectations for fans. Most of this year’s team was a part of the recent playoff success, giving them the needed experience to face the Richmond Foster Falcons, a 5A regional finalist from just a year ago.

The Titans defense will need a similar showing to tonight’s effort for a win versus the talent-laden Falcons.

Memorial will take the home field against Foster next Friday at 7 p.m. in the bi-district round of the 5A Division I playoffs.