Melissa -- In a battle of the unbeatens in District 12-3A, the Melissa Cardinals took a big step towards a district title with a two-touchdown win over the Princeton Panthers.

Marcus Ellis gave Melissa early momentum with an interception return to the Princeton 30-yard line. Jackson Webb went through a nice hole on the right side and raced 35 yards for the first score.

Melissa's second touchdown came after a nice gain by Cameron Hunter gave the Cardinals a first-and-10 at the Panthers' 25-yard line.

Melissa quarterback Chris Smith lofted a pass into the corner of the end zone and Brass Woods came down with six points.  The extra point gave Melissa a 14-0 lead going into the second quarter.

Kyle Morgan did most of the damage for Melissa on the next series, picking up 23 yards on a run that gave the Cardinals a first-and-goal from the Princeton three-yard line. Morgan capped off the drive with a three-yard touchdown run, giving the Cardinals a 21-0 lead. 

Princeton got on the board when David McKinzie caught a 35-yard scoring strike from Jourdan Blake.

Melissa countered with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Webb.  The Cardinals were on top, 26-7, at halftime.

Princeton scored on a pass in the third quarter and on a one-yard dive in the fourth quarter as the Panthers got within a touchdown of the lead.

Melissa put it away when Webb scored his third touchdown of the night, making the final score, 34-21.

Melissa (3-0) will wrap up district play with a short drive to Anna next Friday. A win by the Cardinals would give Melissa the district championship.

Princeton (2-1) will host Community.

Bonham (2-2) have a bye next week.  The Warriors clinched the third playoff berth in District 12-3A.