Crucial turnovers put the Morgan Academy Senators in a hole early in its 34-7 loss at Bessemer Friday. What could have been a close game changed drastically by two first-half turnovers that allowed Bessemer to build an early lead.

Bessemer needed only 52-seconds to get on the board. Rebel quarterback Devin Johnson took the ball 37 yards on a keeper on the second play from scrimmage to put the Rebels up 6-0. Noah Napier added the extra-point to make the score 7-0 with 11:08 to go in the first quarter.

Morgan’s first possession of the game ended on a sour note as Bessemer’s C.C. Davis scooped up a Morgan fumble and returned it all the way for a touchdown. The extra point was good, giving Bessemer a 14-0 lead after only running two offensive plays with 7:55 to go in the opening quarter.

It looked as if Morgan would cut into Bessemer’s lead on its next possession. However, the Senator drive would turn completely around at the 3 yard line. Another Senator fumble, this time returned 97-yards by Bessemer’s Jeremiah Harris, left Morgan looking at a 21-0 deficit with 3:40 to go in the first quarter.

The Senators came out with a determined attitude on their next possession. The Senators rolled off an 18-play, 71-yard drive that ended with Parker Hughes crashing into the endzone on a fourth down play. McCain Levins hit the extra point to make the score 21-7.

Unfortunately, Bessemer would answer. After a long kickoff, the Rebels drove deep into Morgan territory and ended the drive with Davis hitting pay dirt from one yard out with 1:48 remaining in the half.

The extra point was blocked which left Bessemer with a 27-7 halftime lead.

In the second half, Morgan eliminated the turnovers. However, the Senators had trouble finishing drives while Bessemer continued to move the ball.

Davis again found the endzone on the first possession of the second half for the Rebels to make the score 34-7, which would be the only points scored in the second half.

The Senator defense tightened up for the remainder of the final quarters.

Unfortunately, the Rebel defense did not give and kept Morgan out of the end zone as well.

Morgan (2-3) will host East Memorial Christian Academy at home Friday. Kick off is set for 7 p.m.