Malakoff at The Zone preseason photo shoot June 20 in Tyler. Included in the photo are (front row, from left) Jamyron Walker (56), James Studley (24), Davion Johnson (2), Jason Tennyson (22), Jerrion Hall (6), Michael Elliott (25); (second row) Hunter Reeves (66), Shawn Meadows (50), Evan Loper (15), Parker Poteete (11), Kayland Davis (13) and Daniel Norrell (68). (Michel Alfaro/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

WINNSBORO — Malakoff running back Jason Tennyson rushed for 184 yards and four touchdowns, including the game-winner with 1:25 left in the game as the No. 1 ranked team in Texas survived for a 35-28 win over Winnsboro in a District 7-3A Division I football game on Friday at Red Raider Stadium.

It was the sixth straight distict championship for the Tigers.

Winnsboro took the opening kickoff and drove 75 yards to take an early, 7-0 lead over defending state-champion Malakoff when quarterback Mike Jones tossed a short pass to Braxtun Espinosa, who juked a couple of defenders at the sideline and strolled his way in for a 25-yard score with 9:01 left in the first quarter.

Both teams traded possessions then Malakoff got on the scoreboard late in the first quarter to tie the game, 7-7 when Tennyson exploded through the line and out raced everyone for a 66-yard touchdown.

Winnsboro did a good job of attacking the line and limiting Malakoff’s potent running game in the first half as they forced the Tigers into three punts.

Winnsboro regained the lead, 14-7, early in the second quarter when Carroll danced in the pocket and tossed a laser across the middle of the end zone to Camden Capehart for a 16-yard touchdown.

Malakoff (10-0 overall, 6-0 district) had a chance to tie the game late in the second quarter when quarterback Mike Jones completed a pair of passes for 38 yards to Parker Poteete as the Tigers moved the ball to the Winnsboro 30 yard-line. But once again the Rugged Red defense of Winnsboro stiffened up as they held the Tigers out of the end zone as the first half came to a close.

Malakoff received the second half kickoff and the Tigers quickly went to work as Jones reeled off four runs for 55 yards then Tennyson capped the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run to tie the score, 14-14 with 8:19 left in the third quarter.

Winnsboro went 3-and-out on their first drive of the second half then Malakoff proceeded to take their first lead of the game when Jones dropped back and launched a long pass that hit Michael Elliott in stride for a 53-yard touchdown to give the Tigers a 21-14 lead.

Winnsboro (8-2, 5-1) answered when Espinosa returned the ensuing kickoff back for a 90-yard score to tie the game, 21-21 with 6:42 left in the third quarter.

Malakoff regained the lead, 28-21 in a back-and-forth third quarter when Tennyson scored on a 5-yard run for his third touchdown of the night.

Once again Winnsboro answered as Johnson busted through the line for a 72-yard touchdown run down the middle of the field to make the score, 28-28 with 3:15 left in the third quarter. Johnson finished the game with 160 yards on 25 carries.

Winnsboro had a chance to take the lead, midway through the fourth quarter when they moved the ball inside the Malakoff 35 yard-line as they appeared to convert a pair of fourth down conversions, but both conversions were negated by penalties. Malakoff came up with a defensive stop on the third attempt and took over at their 33 yard-line with under five minutes left in the game.

Malakoff turned to their playmaker on their final drive and Tennyson did not disappoint. The Tigers kept the drive alive as Jones scrambled and found Tennyson in the flank for a 26-yard, catch-and-run to the Winnsboro 41 yard-line.

Tennyson then pounded out a pair of runs for 29 yards then saved his best for last when he zigged and zagged his way for a 16-yard touchdown run to give Malakoff a 35-28 lead with 1:25 left in the game. It was Tennyson’s fourth touchdown of the game as he finished the night with 184 yards on 16 carries.

Winnsboro had one last chance but were unable to get the ball past their 35 yard-line as defending state champions avoided the upset against upset minded Winnsboro.

Malakoff is hoping to repeat as the state champion from 2023 as it opens the playoffs next Thursday at Rose Stadium in Tyler where the Tigers will play Tatum.

Winnsboro face Atlanta in a repeat of last year’s bi-district playoff game at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Ore City’s Rebel Stadium.