West Feliciana survived an explosive first half and then held on to win a 35-27 thriller over Marksville Friday night.

Marksville scored first on a 21-yard pass from Jake Dunbar to Corbin Hawkins and the extra point gave Marksville a 7-0 lead.

West Feliciana’s Javon Emery scored on a 12-yard run and Dayne Denham’s PAT tied the game at 7-7 as the game moved to the offensive surge in the second period.

Marksville retook the lead on a 27-yard pass from Dunbar to Ethan Caubarreaux. Caubarreaux’s kick gave the Tigers a 14-7 advantage.

The Saints came storming back when Preston Cobb hauled in a 51-yard pass from Dunbar and Denham’s kick tied the game at 14-14.

Marksville responded with a 1-yard run by Dunbar and the PAT gave the Tigers a 21-14 lead.

West Feliciana tied the game on a 6-yard touchdown run by Dedrick Cobb and Denham’s PAT forced a 21-21 stalemate at the break.

The Saints scored first in the second half on a 4-yard run by Emery and Denham’s kick gave West Feliciana their first lead of the game at 28-21.

Marksville closed the gap to 28-27 on a 36-yard scoring run by Dunbar, but the extra point failed.

West Feliciana sealed the win when Cobb scored on a 3-yard run for the only touchdown of the fourth quarter and Denham’s kick made the final margin, 35-27.

West Feliciana’s defense allowed 300 yards rushing including outstanding performances by Jake Dunbar (17-142, 2 TDs) and his brother Peyton Dunbar (20-116).

The Saints rolled up 296 yards of total offense with 184 yards on the ground, led by Emery’s nine carries for 58 yards and two scores. Dedrick Cobb added 43 yards on 12 carries and two more touchdowns. Preston Cobb contributed 40 yards on four carries.

West Feliciana quarterback Dennis Bell completed 3-of-5 passes for 118 yards, while Preston Cobb hauled in two catches for 65 yards and a score. Greg Freeman caught one pass for 43 yards.

West Feliciana (3-1) concludes non-district play at home Friday against Class 5-A Zachary (3-1).