The Mexico Bulldogs defeated the Fulton Hornets 28-27 to claim their 11th consecutive Highway 54 Bowl in Fulton on Friday, September 29, 2023.
It was a back-and-forth game all night long.
The two teams went into halftime tied at 14.
The Hornets took the lead in the third quarter on a 62-yard rushing touchdown from Malik Douglas who finished the game with three touchdowns.
Mexico would answer back on a 1-yard touchdown run from PJ Perkins with 7 minutes left in the third quarter.
The Bulldogs would miss the extra point and it was Fulton 21-Mexico 20.
The Hornets would score again with time winding down in the third quarter on a 25-yard rushing touchdown from Malik Douglas.
The Bulldogs would block the extra point and Fulton carried a 27-20 lead into the fourth quarter.
Mexico would score on a three-yard touchdown from Hunter Cuno.
Mexico trailed 27-26 when they decided to go for a two-point conversion.
PJ Perkins converted the two-point conversion and the Bulldogs took the lead for good.
The Bulldogs had two 100-yard rushers in the game.
PJ Perkins led the way with 124 yards and three touchdowns.
Hunter Cuno followed up with 119 yards on the ground and a touchdown.
Drew Demint had 65 rushing yards.
Peyton Hoover finished with 23 yards and it was Charlie Fisher with 14 yards rushing.
Mexico improves to 2-4 on the season and 2-1 in the North Central Missouri Conference.
Fulton falls to 0-5.
Up next for Mexico a road trip to Kirksville to the face the Tigers on Friday, October 27th.