Freshman Ladarien Miller accounted for three touchdowns to lead McGill-Toolen to a road win over Baldwin County 34-23 at Bay Minette on Thursday in a Class 6A, Region 1 matchup.

Miller had the two biggest touches of the night for the Yellow Jackets, a 57-yard score on the first play from scrimmage and a 53-yard touchdown run with 1:24 left in the game to seal McGill’s fourth straight win.

“He is 14 years old and tough as nails, and just continues to get better and better each week,” said McGill head coach David Faulkner of the 5-foot-11, 170-pounder.

The Yellow Jackets defenders forced three first-half turnovers and held the Tigers to 15 yards rushing before intermission. McGill (4-2 overall, 3-1 in region play) led 24-14 at the break as Baldwin County’s Damorien Andrews scored a pair of touchdowns within a minute-and-a-half of game time, including a 49-yard punt return TD.

“They are a tough team to tackle, especially out in space,” Faulkner said.

Jacobi Whitfield had a pair of interceptions for McGill, including a pick with under a minute in the game to help seal the victory.

McGill quarterback Andrew Murchison accounted for a pair of scores with a run and a pass to put the visitors up 14-0. “We got off to a fast start and made some plays early on and that was key,” Faulkner said.

Star of the game: Miller carried 13 times in the first half for 110 yards and picked up 94 on seven attempts in the second. He had a 25-yard touchdown reception on fourth down in the second quarter. “It feels good to help the team,” he said. “The offensive line made it all possible up front.”

Play of the game: Miller’s 57-yard run came with 1:24 left to play. McGill-Toolen was facing third-and-short and needed to run out the clock and the freshman burst through the middle all the way for the score.

Stat sheet: Baldwin County – Preston Kiper completed 12-of-18 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. Jamarion Marshall rushed for 47 yards on eight touches. Hayden Coley also threw for 65 yards and a touchdown in the loss. Tia Mims led the Tigers with 7 receptions for 108 yards. McGill-Toolen – Murchison completed 14-of-24 throws for 157 yards. Jack Lenaghan added 45 yards on the ground for the Jackets.

By the numbers: 3 – consecutive years McGill has started the season 0-2 only to then win four straight. … 38 – Murchison’s longest completion for McGill was 38 yards. … 10.2 – Yards per carry for Miller. … 4 – Turnovers forced by the Yellow Jackets defense.

Did you know? McGill-Toolen continued its dominance over the Tigers, winning its 11th straight in the series.

Coachspeak: “I thought we kept our composure tonight, stayed true to who we are. Defensively, we did a great job on the back end, played a lot of zone, kept our eyes on the quarterback and were able to get some balls they overthrew.” – Faulkner

They said it: “It was a battle tonight. Offensively, we made some adjustments in the second half, our line picked up the blitz more and was able to sustain some drives. Miller was able to put the game away in the end.” – Murchison

Next week: McGill hosts Spanish Fort on Oct. 13, while while Baldwin County (1-5, 1-3) plays at Saraland.