Senior Brock Smith poured in 19 points to lead the Class AA 4th ranked Brookhaven Cougars to a 46-37 win over Class AAA Parklane Academy last night in McComb.
Parklane got out to an early 5-0 lead in a slow paced first quarter of play. Brookhaven would not get on the board until the 3:09 mark of the quarter when Zac Smith drained a 3-pointer from the wing. Smith then served up an assist to Gage Posey on Brookhaven’s next possession to knot the contest up at 5-5. Brookhaven would take their first lead of the night as Smith recorded another assist, this time to Brock Smith, at the 2:21 mark to give the Cougars a 7-5 advantage. The squads would enter into the second quarter tied up at 9-9.
(Above) Gage Posey (#11) of Brookhaven with a soft floater in the lane in the 3rd quarter
Brookhaven quickly took a 15-9 lead as both Brennan Miller and Gage Posey drilled 3-pointers from the wings but Parklane would stay close as the Pioneers got baskets from Brady Lea and Tyler Stutzman in the paint and a Justin Brent free throw to pull to within one point at 15-14 with 3:29 left in the half.
Brookhaven then produced a 7-2 run to finish the half. All 7 points came by way of senior Brock Smith who canned a jump hook in the paint, hit on 3 of 4 free throws and pulled down an offensive rebound and scored to propel the Cougars to a 22-16 halftime cushion.
Parklane opened the third quarter with an 11-5 run to take a 27-26 lead, their first since 5-3, but Brookhaven yet again finished the quarter strong as Matthew Evans hit two free throws, Brock Smith scored on an offensive rebound plus one and Zac Smith canned a 3-pointer from the corner with 3 seconds remaining to finish off an 8-0 run and take a 34-27 lead into the final quarter of play.
Justin Brent’s driving basket to open the final quarter pulled Parklane to within five points at 34-29 but the Pioneers would get no closer as Brookhaven capitalized on offensive rebounding and Parklane turnovers down the stretch.
(Above) Brock Smith (#3) of Brookhaven drives the baseline in the 4th quarter
Brock Smith’s lay-in at the 1:39 mark of the final quarter gave Brookhaven their biggest lead of the night at 46-35.
Smith led all scorers with 19 points, Gage Posey added 9 and Brennan Miller, Matthew Evans and Zac Smith had 6 each.
Brookhaven improves to 3-1 and will host Silliman on Thursday night.
Parklane was led by Spencer Remley with 8 points, Justin Brent added 7, Seth Travis and Tyler Stutzman 6 each, Phillip Strawn and Brady Lea 4 each and Zach Stutzman 2.
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Lady Cougars claim another AAA victim
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The Class AA top ranked Brookhaven Lady Cougars chalked up another win over a Class AAA opponent as the defending MAIS Overall Champions took a 43-27 win over Parklane in McComb last night. Laura Beth Wright had game high honors with 16 points and Terah Winborne added 10 as Brookhaven improved to 6-1 on the season.
Parklane would enjoy a lead just once on the night. Molly Adams canned an 18 foot jumper to give the Lady Pioneers an quick 2-0 lead but Brookhaven put together a 13-5 run the remainder of the opening quarter behind the play of seniors Wright and Winborne who combined for 9 of Brookhaven’s 13 first quarter points.
Parklane would pull to within six points at 17-11 on an Emily Alford baseline jumper from 12 feet at the 5:44 mark of the second quarter but they would get no closer. Brookhaven finished the final five minutes of the half on a 9-2 run as Laura Beth Wright canned four free throws and nailed two jumpers to thrust the Lady Cougars to a 26-13 halftime lead.
(Above) Laura Beth Wright (#21) of Brookhaven pulls up for a jumper in the 4th quarter
Brookhaven went up 41-23 to grab their biggest lead of the night at the 4:01 mark of the fourth quarter and coasted to a 43-27 road win.
Laura Beth Wright led all scorers with 16 points, Terah Winborne added 10, Carey Crozier 8, Destiny Allen 4, Madison Warren 3 and Lindsey Winborne 2.
Parklane was led by Teryn Chandler with 9 points, Molly Adams had 8, Kim Klunk 6 and Emily Alford 4.
Next up for Brookhaven will be a home date with Silliman on Thursday.
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November 26, 2011
Different venue same result, Cougars roll to crown
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
Harper Davis Field on the campus of Millsaps College was the backdrop for the 2011 Class AA State Championship yesterday in Jackson and the Simpson Cougars took center stage as they reeled off 29 straight points after falling behind early to win their fourth Class AA state title in the past nine years with a 29-15 win over defending champion River Oaks before a jam packed Simpson fan base.
Simpson tailback Cade Eiland recorded his second consecutive 200+ yard rushing game in leading the Cougars to a perfect 14-0 season and the school’s fifth state title overall.
(Above) Simpson quarterback Brandon Johnston surveys the River Oaks defense
River Oaks displayed why they were the defending state champions as the Mustangs took the opening kick-off and put together an impressive 66 yard, 12 play drive that was capped on a picture perfect 22 yard pitch and catch from quarterback Ryan MacGregor to wide-out Walker Thurmond in the corner of the endzone. Jacob Little added the PAT and with 6:57 remaining in the opening quarter River Oaks took an early 7-0 lead.
Like a heavyweight prizefight Simpson answered back. Setting up shop at their own 34 yard line the Cougars demonstrated the style of physical football that earned them a spot in the title game. Three consecutive Cade Eiland carries moved the Cougars to the Simpson 49 yard line. Eiland then barreled off right guard for a 28 yard pick-up down the Mustang 23. Two plays later Eiland exploded for a 21 yard touchdown jaunt at the 4:04 mark of the 1st quarter. Robert Berry’s PAT attempt went wide left leaving Simpson on the short end of a 7-6 score.
(Above) Simpson tailback Garrett Taylor (#5) follows the blocking of Hunter Thompson (#75)
Simpson would take the lead midway through the 2nd quarter on a 6 yard touchdown run by Cade Eiland that finished off an 11 play, 70 yard drive that took up nearly six minutes. Eiland’s 2 point conversion attempt was stuffed by River Oaks but the Cougars were on top 12-7 with 8:07 remaining in the half.
On River Oak’s ensuing possession the Mustangs did what they could least afford to do as a mishandled hand off resulted in a fumble that was recovered by Simpson defensive back Garrett Taylor at the Mustang 29 yard line.
Three plays later staring at a 3rd and 9 from the River Oaks 27 yard line Simpson quarterback Brandon Johnston dropped to pass but was quickly forced from the pocket. The senior went around the right side where he dodged and bowled over River Oaks defenders on his way to a 27 yard touchdown scamper that created a deafening eruption from the Simpson crowd. Robert Berry added the PAT to give the Cougars a 19-7 advantage that they would take into the locker-room at the half.
(Above) Simpson defensive end Shane Brown about to sack River Oaks QB Ryan MacGregor
Simpson added to their lead to open the second half as the Cougars drove 52 yards to the River Oaks 18 yard line before stalling out on the opening possession. Robert Berry would nail a 35 yard field goal at the 9:13 mark to increase the Simpson lead to 22-7.
Simpson took the 22-7 lead into the final quarter but River Oaks had one last offensive thrust left in them. The Mustangs put together a 13 play drive that started on their own 38 yard line just before the 3rd quarter expired but two crucial mistakes proved costly inside the redzone. Advancing to the Simpson 5 yard the Mustangs had a 1st and goal but a fumble that resulted in a two yard loss and a critical motion penalty created a 4th and goal from the 6 yard line. Ryan MacGregor’s pass attempt into the endzone fell short and Simpson would capitalize with a 94 yard drive on the legs of tailback Cade Eiland to ice the contest.
Eiland rushed for 78 yards on the drive and set up the Cougar offense at the River Oaks 9 yard line where, two plays later, junior tailback Michael Layton (Photo above) went in from 6 yards out. Robert Berry’s PAT gave Simpson a 29-7 lead with 4:02 left in the contest.
River Oaks would close out on a Brendan MacGregor 24 yard touchdown pass to Walker Thurmond with 21 seconds remaining.
Simpson was led by Cade Eiland who rushed for 213 yards on 22 carries and two touchdowns on the night. Brandon Johnston rushed for 55 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown and picked up 54 yards passing.
Defensively junior defensive lineman Shane Brown recorded 6 tackles, a sack and a pass deflection to lead Simpson while senior defensive back Garrett Taylor had 5 tackles, a fumble recovery and a sack.
River Oaks finishes their 2011 campaign with a 10-4 mark.
(Above) Simpson Academy, 2011 MAIS Class AA State Champions .
Post Game with Simpson head coach Billy Wayne Hankins
Senior quarterback Brandon Johnston
Senior defensive lineman Caleb Mullins
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Tri-County completes perfect season with title
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
For the first twenty minutes of the first half in the Class A State Championship game at Millsaps College in Jackson yesterday the Riverfield Raiders looked to be a team on its’ way to pulling off a huge upset over top ranked Tri-County, but the final four minutes of the half set the tone for what was to come as Tri-County exploded for two quick scores en-route to pounding Riverfield 38-14 to win its’ first state championship since 1985.
Senior quarterback Lane Williams passed for three touchdowns and ran for another after a shaky first quarter to lead the Rebels to a perfect 13-0 season and helped erase last season’s painful championship game loss to Trinity.
Tri-County fans were left wondering if yesterday’s title game would end with the same result as last season’s as they saw the Rebels get behind 14-0 to Riverfield early on.
Behind a massive offensive line and punishing ground game Riverfield would mount a 6 play, 76 yard drive on their third possession of the game that seemed to overwhelm top ranked Tri-County. Senior tailback Patrick Cencer exploded around the right end for a 40 yard touchdown run to cap the drive at the 1:41 mark of the first quarter. Chase Cater’s PAT gave the Raiders a 7-0 start.
After forcing Tri-County’s offense into a quick three and out Riverfield went to work. This time the Raiders produced a methodical nine play, 50 yard drive that culminated on tailback Patrick Pelley’s 9 yard burst around the left end. Cater added the PAT and with 8:40 remaining in the first half Riverfield had posted a 14-0 lead before a stunned and quite Tri-County crowd.
Tri-County’s struggles on offense continued as yet another three and out quickly gave possession back to Riverfield but the momentum was about to take a sudden detour. Riverfield’s drive stalled out at their own 46 yard line when disaster struck the Raiders as a high snap sailed over punter Chase Cater’s head and the senior was swarmed over at the Raider 30 yard line. Three plays later Tri-County cashed in as Lane Williams connected with senior tailback Brady Walker for a 33 yard touchdown strike with 3:51 left in the half. Williams tacked on the PAT to cut the Riverfield lead in half at 14-7.
(Above) Tri-County's Trey Bozeman (#10) looks for running room
The Williams to Walker touchdown fueled Tri-County’s defense as the Rebels promptly forced a Riverfield punt that set the Rebel offense up at midfield.
Lane Williams hit tight-end Barrett Shepard to advance the football to the Raider 34 yard line but Riverfield’s defense dug in and put Tri-County in a 4th and 11 situation with 40 seconds remaining in the half. In what turned out to be the biggest play of the game Lane Williams hooked up with senior Justin Sones on a short route and the big tight-end did the rest as he powered his way down the sidelines and into the endzone. Williams’ PAT attempt went wide left and Riverfield would cling to a 14-13 halftime lead.
The huge momentum swing carried over into the second half and quickly grew as Riverfield fumbled on the second play of the third quarter to give Tri-County possession at the Raider 23 yard line.
Five plays later Lane Williams plowed in from one yard out to give Tri-County their first lead of the day. Williams then scampered in for a successful two point conversion to put the Rebels on top 21-14 with less than two minutes gone in the third quarter.
Tri-County wasted little time in getting the football back as the Rebel defense stopped tailback Cole Mills for a loss of 4 yards and defensive ends Justin Sones and Brady Walker sacked Riverfield quarterback Austin Crawford at the Raider 2 yard line.
Tri-County then produced an eight play, 47 yard drive that saw sophomore quarterback Trey Bozeman enter the game for a shaken up Lane Williams. Bozemen made the most of the play as he connected with fullback AJ Boutwell for a six yard touchdown pass. Williams added the PAT and with 4:38 remaining in the 3rd quarter Tri-County took a 28-14 advantage.
(Above) Tri-County linebacker Trace Lane hammers Riverfield tailback Patrick Pelley
Tri-County increased their lead at the 7:05 mark of the 4th quarter as Lane Williams connected with senior wide-out Zac Giddy for a 12 yard touchdown strike to finish off a 58 yard drive. Williams added the PAT to give the Rebels a commanding 35-14 lead.
Tri-County safety Trey Bozeman picked off a Riverfield pass at the Raider 44 yard line and returned it to the 8 yard line on the first play of the Raider’s next possession to put the icing on the cake. Four plays later Lane Williams booted a 22 yard field goal to give Tri-County a final score of 38-14.
Williams went 10/21 for 174 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 83 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown to lead Tri-County and Brady Walker had 3 receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown.
After allowing 148 total yards on Riverfield’s first three possessions of the game Tri-County’s defense held the Raiders to just 51 total yards the remainder of the contest.
Riverfield finishes their season at 11-4. Patrick Cencer led the Raiders with 83 yards rushing.
(Above) Tri-County Academy, MAIS Class A 2011 State Champions .
Post Game with Tri-County head coach David Blount and senior quarterback Lane Williams
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November 19, 2011
Simpson overpowers Trinity to take South State
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The top ranked Simpson Cougars had listened all week about how difficult it was going be containing second ranked Trinity’s skill players and many football gurus predicted Simpson’s season would end last night. All that seemed to have just added fuel to an already motivated Simpson squad as they produced their best defensive performance of the season and rolled up 256 rushing yards en-route to a 23-7 win over Trinity to claim the Class AA South State title before a wild and enthusiastic home crowd last night. With the win Simpson improves to 13-0 and will face River Oaks, the defending Class AA champions, who defeated Marshall last night 28-22 to win the North State crown. Simpson will be looking to win their fifth state championship and fourth in the last nine years while River Oaks hopes to win the school’s third state crown.
(Above) Simpson quarterback Brandon Johnston (#4) surveys the field in the first half
The Simpson defense did what Centreville couldn’t last week against the explosive Trinity Saints, they forced a quick three and out on Trinity’s first offensive possession of the night.
The Cougars managed to net 36 yards on their first possession before stalling out at the Trinity 47 yard line and having to punt.
With Trinity setting up shop at their own 20 yard line the game’s first turnover occurred as junior defensive back Josh Hankins picked off a Scott Turner pass at the Simpson 43 yard line with 7:55 remaining in the opening quarter of play.
Simpson promptly moved to the Saint’s 16 yard line on two Cade Eiland runs and a 35 yard connection from quarterback Brandon Johnston to Joshua Broadhead but the drive would stall as Trinity’s defense stiffened. Simpson got on the board first as junior Michael Layton was true on a 35 yard field goal at the 5:18 mark to give the Cougars a 3-0 lead.
That lead was erased quickly as Trinity displayed their fast strike capability. On 2nd and 10 Scott Turner hit wide-out Tip McKenzie on a short route in the middle of the field and McKenzie turned on the jets as he silenced the Simpson home crowd with a 62 yard touchdown. Jake Winston tacked on the PAT to give Trinity a 7-3 lead with 4:48 left in the quarter.
Simpson hit back three minutes into the second quarter. The Cougars went 55 yards in five plays to regain the lead for good. Cade Eiland went off right guard for a quick 15 yards to the Trinity 30 and quarterback Brandon Johnston followed with a 14 yard run of his own to advance the line of scrimmage to the Saint’s 17 yard line. Eiland then set the table for the go ahead score as the tailback plowed his way to the Trinity 1 yard line. Johnston did the honors as the senior went in from one yard out at the 9:15 mark of the second quarter. Robert Berry added the PAT to give Simpson a 10-7 advantage.
(Above) Simpson quarterback Brandon Johnston hands off to tailback Cade Eiland
Simpson’s defense appeared to gain strength on each Trinity possession and it was apparent after the Cougars took a 10-7 lead. Trinity quarterback Scott Turner saw that first hand as the senior tried to get the Saint’s air assault in gear but Simpson defensive linemen Caleb Mullins and Mason Fewell made that impossible as the two seniors each recorded a sack on Turner to force a three and out and a Jake Winston punt.
Neither squad mounted a threatening drive for the remaining six minutes of the half and Simpson took a 10-7 lead into the locker-room.
Defense was the story of the third quarter as both teams forced the other into multiple three and outs. Trinity replaced quarterback Scott Turner with Tip McKenzie in an attempt to gain momentum but on Trinity’s first possession of the fourth quarter McKenzie was picked off by Josh Hankins at the Simpson 32 yard line.
The interception proved costly as Cade Eiland went around the left edge on first down and exploded with a 68 yard touchdown run. Robert Berry’s PAT went wide left but with 10:08 remaining Simpson had taken a 16-7 lead and a ton of momentum along with it.
(Above) Simpson defensive lineman Caleb Mullins (#74) wraps up Trinity's Scott Turner
With Turner back under center Trinity still had no answer for the defensive pressure of Simpson. Turner was under constant pressure and had little time to survey the field. Facing a critical fourth and eight from midfield Turner was intercepted again, this time senior defensive back Garrett Taylor who returned it to the Trinity 14 yard line.
Five consecutive Cade Eiland rushes set up Simpson with a second and goal from the Trinity one yard line where with 5:04 remaining in the game quarterback Brandon Johnston powered his way into the endzone. Robert Berry’s PAT increased Simpson’s lead to 23-7 and increased the level of excitement amongst the huge home crowd.
With 2:27 remaining Simpson defensive back Josh Hankins sealed the deal as the junior picked off his third pass of the night and the Cougars would run out the clock to capture the Class AA South State championship.
Cade Eiland rushed for 208 yards on 33 carries and a touchdown to lead Simpson to their 13th win. Quarterback Brandon Johnston rushed for 41 yards on 12 carries and 2 touchdowns and passed for 73 yards on the night.
Simpson’s defense produced four interceptions, four sacks, four pass deflections and held Trinity to 32 rushing yards and only 8 pass completions on the night. Defensive lineman Caleb Mullins had 3 sacks and Mason Fewell had 1. The Cougars defense also forced five Trinity three and outs and held the Saints on two fourth down attempts.
Simpson’s offense accounted for 329 yards on the night.
Trinity finishes the 2011 campaign at 11-3. .
.Post Game: Simpson head coach Billy Wayne Hankins and senior tailback Cade Eiland
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November 16, 2011
Clash of the Titans Friday night
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
There is always a robust appetite for a matchup between number one and number two and on Friday night the table will be set as Trinity visits Simpson to settle which team gets to claim the Class AA South State Championship. Just two weeks ago all the talk was LSU and Alabama but here and now in our small little corner of the world the talk is nothing but top ranked Simpson and second ranked Trinity. This pre Thanksgiving treat will have all the trappings of a high stakes pressure packed event but there will be two things that will separate this event from the Tigers and Tide battle. The first, the score will not be 9-6 and secondly, the season ends for one of these two great football teams.
Simpson has held down the top spot in the Class AA rankings for much of the year and will feature one of the top tailbacks in the MAIS in senior Cade Eiland who leads the entire MAIS with 2,215 rushing yards along with 27 touchdowns. The Cougars ran the table in the regular season and are coming off one of their better games of the season as they dismantled Brookhaven 44-19 last week in round two of the playoffs to improve to 12-0. Trinity has been in striking distance of Simpson in the rankings the entire season and the Saints will be looking to capture their first Class AA South State title after coming off of back-to-back Class A Championships. Trinity had reeled 30 straight wins against MAIS opponents until a week eleven home loss to Brookhaven. The Saints will feature arguably the best quarterback in the MAIS. Signal-caller Scott Turner has caused mayhem for opposing defenses all season. The senior has amassed 2,559 yards and 29 TDs through the air and rambled for 324 yards on the ground and another 8 touchdowns. Trinity is coming off an impressive 39-19 win at Centreville. Read More..................
Marshall's Fitzpatrick signs with Arkansas State
Kevin Fitzpatrick, a senior at Marshall Academy, signed a national letter of intent today to play baseball for Arkansas State University. Fitzpatrick is seated with his mother, Felecia Fitzpatrick, and his sister, Erica Fitzpatrick. Standing, from left, are athletic booster club representative Rachel Brock, headmaster Jane Hubbard, coach Bart Jenkins and athletic director Susan Rodgers. In his junior season for the Patriots, Fitzpatrick hit .453 with four home runs and 38 RBIs. He was 32 of 33 in stolen-base attempts. The shortstop on the baseball team also plays football and basketball and runs track at Marshall Academy.
November 15, 2011
For Cenla quarterback leadership is in the blood
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
High School football on Friday nights in the south is as strong a tradition as family dinner after church on Sundays. While both traditions are generations old and will live on many more, when the mainstay of the family is absent the void left to fill is sometimes difficult to imagine and even more difficult when that mainstay is serving our country in the military in one of the most dangerous locations on the planet, Iraq.
For most high school football players having their fathers in attendance at each practice and game is taken for granted. That first moment alone with a dad after a game to receive encouragement and talk about the game is a highlight and special moment for a son but for Cenla Christian senior Graham Kelly receiving guidance and encouragement from his father came by way of a cell phone connection 7,200 miles away.
Graham’s father, Army Support Battalion Commander Marc Kelly, has been to the likes of Panama, Bosnia and Iraq while serving our country. Marc would place a call to his wife Michele each Friday night during the 2010 season just before the 7:00 pm kickoff. Two hurdles had to be crossed in order for the call to be successful. The first would be achieving the expensive connection and the other was the fact that while it was 7:00 pm in the south it was 4:00 am in Baghdad. Once the connection was secured Marc would listen intently to the entire game and on a few occasions Michele would take the cell phone to Graham during halftime for a few father to son comments.
River Oaks ends North Delta's season By Brad Greer
The North Delta Green Wave has lived and died by big plays throughout the 2011 football season. Friday night however the Wave could not find one more to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Led by quarterback Ryan MacGregor¹s 112-yard rushing performance, the RiverOaks Mustangs escaped Batesville with a 29-27 victory over North Delta to advance to the MAIS AA North State Championship game Friday night as they host Marshall Academy.
After Aaron Rogers scored on a 12-yard touchdown run which gave River Oaks a 29-20 lead with 3:33 remaining in the game, it looked as if the Mustangs had things sewed up. But Tyler Pirtle and the Green Wave had other things in mind.
Pirtle took the second play from scrimmage and zig-zagged his way 65 yards for his third rushing touchdown of the night to pull North Delta within two, 29-27, with 3:10 left to play after William Dean booted the extra point. Pirtle ended the night with 309 yards on 24 carries.
With two time outs remaining, North Delta head coach Dan Werner decided to go for an onside kick. The plan backfired however as River Oaks recovered the kick on the Green Wave 44 yard-line and proceeded to run out the clock.
“We had given them great field position on nearly every kickoff return so we just rolled the dice and see if we could recover the onside kick,” said Werner.
River Oaks (9-3) took a 21-14 lead as MacGregor hit Alex Biedenharn with a 76-yard touchdown strike with 7:51 remaining in the fourth quarter.
North Delta then responded with a five-play, 68-yard drive that was capped off by Pirtle¹s 24-yard pass to Dean that closed the Mustang lead to 21-20 after Dean missed the PAT.
North Delta dominated the statistical category in the first half by holding a 224-95 advantage in total yardage yet the game was deadlocked at 14 at intermission.
Pirtle¹s four-yard touchdown with 38 seconds left in the half gave NorthDelta a 14-6 lead. But on the ensuing kickoff, Davis Harris picked up the squib kick and returned it to the Green Wave 11-yard line. Biedenharn scored on the very next play with Harris converting the two-point conversion to tie the game at 14 with 20 seconds in the first half.
“The kickoff return late in the first was inexcusable on our part,” said Werner. “We give a cheap touchdown there and another one in the fourth quarter on a bomb when our best cover guys fell down on the play. Those were no doubt the two biggest plays of the game,” said Werner.
North Delta (10-2) quickly struck first in the game as Pirtle scored on a 55-yard run on the games’ third play from scrimmage. Dean booted the PAT to cap the three-play, 63-yard drive to give the home team a 7-0 lead.
After Blake Snyder recovered a Biedenharn fumble on the North Delta 35, the Green Wave drove to the River Oaks 35 where they turned the ball over on downs.
MacGregor got the Mustangs on the board with a seven-yard run with 2:31 left in the first half to make the score 7-6 after the PAT failed.
North Delta increased their lead to 14-6 on their next possession as Pirtle scored from four yards out to end a five-play, 54-yard drive.
“We made some adjustments in the second half but then their quarterback (Pirtle) made that long run in the fourth to get them back in the game. That kid is one heck of a ball player.“ said River Oaks head coach Robert Hannah. “My hat goes off to North Delta. They have got a great coaching staff and they never quit. But Ryan did a amazing job for us at quarterback tonight.
That was the most running he has done since coming back from his injury and he wanted this game bad,” said Hannah.
North Delta rushed the ball 37 times for 354 yards while registering 68 yards passing for 422 total yards. River Oaks garnered 355 yards of total offense.
Taylor Morris, the Green Waves leading rusher was held to 29 yards on the night. Biedenharn, the Mustangs leading ball-carrier had 62 yards on 14 carries.
Bailey Guckert had three carries for 14 yards and caught one pass for four yards. Dean hauled in two catches for 38 yards while Will Magee and Colby Pirtle each recorded one reception.
“Even though we came up on the short end of the stick tonight, I am happy with the state of our program and where it is headed,” said Werner. “We have got a good group of kids coming back next year, but that does not soften the pain for those seniors in the next room over there because they are hurting right now and I feel bad for them because they worked their tails off to get
where they are at,” said Werner.
November 14, 2011
Trinity's Jake Winston inks with Southern Mississippi
Trinity senior Jake Winston signed a national letter of intent this morning to play baseball at Southern Mississippi. Seated with Jake are his parents Tam (L) and Beverly Winston (R). Standing from left are Trinity Episcopal Athletic Director David King, Trinity Head Baseball Coach Mitch Ashmore, and USM Alum Chip Sturdivant. Jake has pitched and played short stop for Trinity as a starter since the ninth grade. He was the principal pitcher as part of the 2011 Varsity Baseball Team that won Trinity’s first state championship.
November 12, 2011
Trinity air assualt sinks Centreville
Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The Trinity Saints scored on their first three possessions of the game and senior quarterback Scott Turner scorched the Centreville defense with 315 yards through the air and four touchdowns as the fifth ranked Saints advanced to the Class AA South State finals with a convincing 39-19 win at Centreville. Before most fans had settled into their seats Trinity had already gotten on the scoreboard.
On the first play from scrimmage Scott Turner hooked up with wide-out Tip McKenzie on a short route and the Vanderbilt signee did the rest as he raced 74 yards to the endzone. Jake Winston added the PAT and after 22 seconds of play Trinity took a 7-0 lead. Centreville’s first possession stalled at their own 49 yard line but after a 50 yard punt from Cliff Hurst pinned the Saints at their own one yard line the Tiger defense looked to do some damage. Unfortunately for Centreville they would have no answer for containing Trinity quarterback Scott Turner. Turner orchestrated an 8 play, 99 yard drive in which the senior connected with four different receivers and rushed for 37 yards. The drive culminated on a Turner to Tanner Cage 25 yard touchdown pass at the 6:09 mark of the opening quarter to give Trinity a quick 13-0 advantage. Things would quickly deteriorate for Centreville as safety Jake Winston picked off a Tyler Towles pass at the Trinity 22 yard line with 2:29 remaining in the first quarter. Trinity cashed in on the first turnover of the night. Turner hit Tip McKenzie for a quick 12 yard pickup to the Saints 34 yard line. After a pass interference call on Centreville moved the ball to the Trinity 49 Turner connected with wide-out Caleb Cross for a 19 yard gain to the Tiger 32 yard line. Following a false start infraction Turner threw his third touchdown pass of the opening quarter as the senior connected with Jake Winston for a 37 yard scoring strike with 1:51 still left in the quarter. A two point conversion attempt was thwarted but Trinity increased their cushion to 19-0 before a shocked Centreville crowd. After Centreville’s offense was forced into a three and out the Tigers missed on an opportunity to capitalize on Trinity’s first turnover of the game. Linebacker Cliff Hurst recovered a Saint’s fumble at the Trinity 40 yard line just 16 seconds into the second quarter but Trinity regained possession as a mishandled pitch on a toss sweep by Centreville resulted in a fumble recovery by Trinity linebacker Scott Turner at the Saint’s 46 yard line.
(Above) Trinity's Zach Wilson (#52) and Zach Young (#11) wrap up Centreville's Cliff Hurst
After Centreville forced Trinity’s first punt of the night disaster struck as Jake Winston’s punt was muffed at the Centreville 6 yard line and recovered by Trinity sophomore Caleb Cross. Three plays later Trinity cashed in as Scott Turner hit Tip McKenzie on a 7 yard slant pass for a touchdown. Jake Winston added the PAT to give Trinity a 26-0 lead with 9:47 left in the first half. Centreville got on the scoreboard on the ensuing possession. Colton Terrell’s 74 yard kick-off return set the table for the Tigers at the Trinity 16 yard line where six straight Cliff Hurst running plays paid dividends as the senior went in from three yards out with 6:54 left in the half. Randy Bell’s PAT cut the deficit to 26-7. Centreville appeared to be building some much needed momentum as the first half of play was drawing to a close. After forcing Trinity to punt the Tigers marched 58 yards in 11 plays to the Saint’s 27 yard line with time winding down and no timeouts remaining. On a second and 12 Centreville quarterback Tyler Towles was picked off by Trinity’s Trae McKenzie who made a diving interception at the 18 yard line with 23 seconds remaining to halt the Centreville threat and send Trinity into the locker-room holding a 26-7 lead. Trinity’s defense stood tall on Centreville’s opening possession of the second half. The Saints turned back a fourth down and 8 attempt at Centreville’s own 45 yard line and the Trinity offense capitalized quickly. Scott Turner hit Tip McKenzie with a 29 yard connection to the Tiger 16 yard line and Turner did the rest as the 6’1”, 215 lb senior picked up a hard 8 yards on the ground to the Centreville 8. Turner then bulldozed his way to paydirt on the following play and Jake Winston added the PAT to give Trinity a commanding 33-7 lead with 6:19 left in the third quarter.
Centreville scored at the 2:43 mark of the quarter on a Cliff Hurst to Colby Shaw 38 yard touchdown pitch and catch to cut the deficit to 33-13.
Things got a little interesting after Centreville held Trinity on a 4th and 1 deep inside Tiger territory with 9:34 remaining in the contest.
Centreville then produced an 89 yard scoring drive highlighted by a Tyler Towles short pass to tailback Randy Bell who scampered 72 yards to the Trinity 5 yard line. Colton Terrell then plowed in over the right side and with 8:39 remaining in the game and Centreville was within two touchdowns at 33-19.
After safely covering an on sides kick attempt Trinity all but closed the door on Centreville’s season.
Tip McKenzie rambled 20 yards to the Tiger 31 yard line on a toss sweep and Cage Tanner went off the left side and scurried to the Centreville 6 yard line to set up the final score of the night as McKenzie did the honors with 7:45 remaining to close the door at 39-19.
(Above) Trinity's Trae McKenzie stretches for a reception attempt
Scott Turner led Trinity as the senior went 13/23 for 315 yards and four touchdowns through the air and 39 yards rushing and a touchdown. Tip McKenzie had 6 receptions for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns and picked up 24 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Trinity’s offense netted 409 total yards on the night.
Centreville (10-3) was led by Cliff Hurst who rushed for 72 yards on 16 carries and Colton Terrell who picked up 36 yards on 11 carries.
Trinity improves to 11-2 and will travel to Mendenhall next Friday night to take on top ranked and undefeated Simpson in the Class AA South State Championship game. The last time Trinity and Simpson met was in a 2008 first round playoff matchup in Natchez with Trinity taking a 17-7 win.
. Post Game with Trinity head coach David King
Top ranked Simpson overpowers Brookhaven
By Brett Rutland
Going in to Brookhaven Academy’s second round playoff game against Simpson Academy, Cougars head coach Tripp McCarty just wanted the Cougars to play well. Some things however just aren’t meant to be. Simpson topped Brookhaven 44-19 in Mendenhall Friday night to improve to 12-0 on the season and defeated Brookhaven for the second time this season. Brookhaven ends its season with a 10-3 record. Simpson advances to meet Trinity Episcopal for the AA South State Championship game Friday night. “Simpson really forced the issue on us tonight.” said McCarty. “Their defense really gave us trouble trying to move the football and we never could get our ground game going.” “I’m extremely proud of our players and what they’ve accomplished.” added McCarty. “They over-achieved all season and had a great year. This group of seniors will really be missed. They’re a special group.” Simpson boasts the leading rusher in all of AA football in senior Cade Eiland, and the back showed it in the game. Eiland rushed for 175 yards on 20 carries with three touchdowns, all in the first half, to lead Simpson as the Cougars from Mendenhall jumped on Brookhaven early. Simpson looked as though it would blow the game open early as the hosts raced to a 27-0 lead before Brookhaven finally reached pay dirt with just one second remaining in the first half. Gage Posey’s one yard run cut the Simpson lead to 27-6 at the half. Posey was able to connect with Seth Rushing from 19 yards out at the 7:24 mark of the fourth quarter, and senior Jacob Philipp added a 7 yard run with 1:19 left to register the final points of the season for Brookhaven. Simpson used a brutal rushing attack to torch the Brookhaven defense for 387 yards on the ground. It was by no means the best performance of the season for Brookhaven, something the Cougars hoped to avoid against top ranked Simpson. Penalties also played a big part in the game for both teams as there were 24 penalties for 207 yards. Brookhaven’s seniors end their career with an impressive 37-5 record. During that stretch, those players collected three district championships and a state title ring. Gage Posey led the Brookhaven offense, completing 17 of his 31 pass attempts for 206 yards and a touchdown. He was intercepted once. Posey also added one touchdown rushing.
On defense, Bailey Hodge and Bubba Keene led the Brookhaven defense with 17 tackles a piece. Colby Culbertson and Hunter Franklin each added 11 stops. For the season, Posey completed 129 of his 242 pass attempts for 2,012 yards and 24 touchdowns. He was intercepted 11 times. Landon Nettles led the Brookhaven ground game this season, picking up 1,126 yards on 187 carries with 12 touchdowns. Bubba Keene totaled 1,853 all purpose yards with 16 touchdowns, as well as adding 112 tackles on defense. Bailey Hodge was the leading tackler, totaling 190 stops for the Cougars. Eli Gatlin followed with 118 tackles and Jacob Philipp registered 117 stops for the season.
November 10, 2011
Seth Stevens of Central Private signs with Nicholls
Central Private senior Seth Stevens signed a national letter of intent yesterday morning at the school. Stevens will continue his baseball career at D-1 Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA. Pictured are Darrell & Debbie Stevens (Parents), Head Baseball coach for Central Private Jason Kinchen, Grandparents JT Stevens, Lloyd & Sharon Himel and sister Brittney Schiro.
November 9, 2011
Devall and Travis of Centreville sign
Two Centreville Tigers signed national letters of intent today to play baseball. Seniors Hunter Devall and Hunter Travis inked with D-1 schools. Devall will be playing for the LSU Tigers and Travis with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in Ruston. Centreville is the defending Class AA State Champions.
(Above) Pictured front center is Hunter Devall who signed a letter of intent today with Louisiana State University. Devall is seated with his parents and sister, Dennis Devall and Jana Devall and Brooke Devall all of Clinton, Louisiana. Standing are Head Coach Jason Horne, Shannon Devall, Headmaster Bill Hurst, and Assistant Coach Mark Mann.
(Below) Pictured front center is Hunter Travis who signed a letter of intent today with Louisiana Tech. Travis is seated with his parents, Jeff and Dana Travis of Jackson, Louisiana. Standing are Headmaster Bill Hurst, Assistant Coach Mark Mann and Head Coach Jason Horne.
November 7, 2011
North Delta hammers Manchester in round one win
By Brad Greer What was supposed to be a evenly matched contest turned out to be a blowout as fifth-ranked North Delta hammered Manchester 41-14 in a MAIS North AA playoff game Friday night at Green Wave Field. North Delta, (10-1) will host defending AA state champion River Oaks, (La.) Friday night in second round action. River Oaks, (8-3) advanced with a 50-21 victory over Winston.
Green Wave quarterback Tyler Pirtle (Photo left) ran for two touchdowns and passed for two more as North Delta won their eighth game in a row. "That was a very good football team we played tonight. We made a couple of big plays there in the second half and they did not and that was the difference," said North Delta head coach Dan Werner. "We scored right before halftime to make it 21-7 and one thing we have done as a team this year is finish off the first half strong. But after they (Manchester) ran the second half kickoff back to make it 21-14 we answered with a touchdown of our own to get some momentum back. After that we pretty much were in much in control of the game," said Werner.
The fans in attendance did not get settled into their seats before North Delta got on the board as Pirtle hit Colby Pirtle on a 70-yard bomb on the game's first play from scrimmage. William Dean added the PAT for a 7-0 Green Wave lead.
Manchester (8-4) tied the contest at 7-7 late in the first quarter as quarterback Will Stonestreet capped off a 12-play; 97-yard drive with a four-yard run. Russ Allen's 47-yard run and Demarcus Mahone's eight-run run on fourth-and-five from the North Delta 11 were key plays in their drive.
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North Delta retook the lead at 14-7 with 10:37 remaining in the first half on a Taylor Morris eight-yard run.
After a failed fake punt gave the Mavericks the ball on North Delta's 45-yard line, defensive back Bailey Guckert intercepted a Stonestreet pass at the Green Wave 10 and returned 21 yards to snuff out a Manchester rally.
Morris (Photo right) then added his second touchdown on a 10-yard run with 2:16 left before halftime to complete a eight-play; 69-yard drive that took 2:35 off the clock with Dean adding the point after.
Manchester closed the margin to 21-14 as Mahone returned the opening kickoff of the second half 80 yards for the score.
That would be as close as the visitors would get as North Delta responded with a quick three- play; 65-yard scoring drive when Pirtle hit Guckert on a 37-yard pass to expand the lead to 28-14 after three quarters.
Pirtle finished the night with six-of-nine passing for 192 yards.
Sy Pritchard's interception of a Stonestreet pass at the Manchester 24 set up the first of two Pirtle's touchdown runs in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. Hunter Durham's 21-yard followed by Pirtle's three-yard run increased North Delta's lead to 34-14 with 11:34 left in the game. Pirtle later added a 10-yard run to close out the scoring at the 7:21 mark of the game.
North Delta finished the night with 399 total yards of offense which included 207 rushing on 49 attempts. Durham led the Green Wave in rushing with 14 carries for 90 yards while Morris followed with 17 carries for 70 yards. Pirtle added 34 yards on 13 totes and eighth-grader Hunter Baker ran the ball three times for 12 yards. Colby Pirtle led in receiving with two receptions for 109 yards while Guckert chipped in with two catches for 61 yards. Dean and Morris each added one reception for 12 and 10 yards each.
Manchester registered 189 yards of offense with 165 coming via the ground game. Stonestreet finished the night four-of-eight passing for 24 yards. Allen led the Mavericks with 68 yards rushing on eight carries.
On the defensive side of the ball, Pritchard led North Delta with seven tackles while Parker Jones recorded five stops. Bradley Booth had three tackles and a fumble recovery. Blake Snider, Brett Harrington, Luke Latham and Hunter Pitcher all chipped in with three stops.
November 6, 2011
Brookhaven tops Oak Forest, Simpson next By Brett Rutland
When it comes to the playoffs, most coaches will tell you that big plays and turnovers are often the difference in the games. In Brookhaven Academy's opening round game against Oak Forest, both aspects worked together to help the Cougars.
Brookhaven topped Oak Forest 27-12 in a tough, hard-hitting game at R.M. "Red" Stuard Field. The Cougars improved to 10-2 on the season and advance to meet District 4 number one seed Simpson Academy Friday night in Mendenhall. Oak Forest, the number two seed out of District 6, lost to Brookhaven for the second time this season and ends its season with a 4-8 mark.
Brookhaven capitalized on a Yellow Jacket fumble on its first possession and a 78 yard kickoff return by Bubba Keene to open the second half to help the Cougars record their sixth consecutive victory.
(Above) Brookhaven senior Jeff Rushing (#22) gets wrapped up
"I'm proud of my kids for earning the win." said Brookhaven head coach Tripp McCarty. "I was pretty concerned about a let-down after such a big game last week. We didn't have a great week of practice but Coach Ogden and Coach Ball did a great job of making sure our guys were ready. We're going to have to play a very good game next week."
It took the Cougars just five plays to go 32 yards after an Oak Forest fumble on its first possession. Junior quarterback Gage Posey connected with Jeff Rushing from ten yards out. The extra point attempt failed, giving the hosts a 6-0 lead with 6:31 remaining in the opening quarter.
Oak Forest capitalized on a muffed Brookhaven punt that resulted in a short field, and registered its first points at the 2:11 mark of the opening quarter as Sam Bourgeois scored on a ten yard run. The extra point attempt failed, knotting up the score at 6-6.
(Above) Brookhaven senior Christian "Bubba" Keene (#5) makes a stop
Brookhaven was able to register one more score before the half as Landon Nettles rumbled in from one yard out, capping a 14 play, 72 yard drive. Posey connected with Will Lucas for the two point conversion, giving the Cougars a 14-6 lead at the half.
Keene electrified the Brookhaven crowd with his kickoff return touchdown to open the second half, and seemingly put some distance between the Cougars and Yellow Jackets. But Oak Forest responded with an 11 play, 79 yard drive that ended with Bourgeois scoring on a 7 yard run. The extra point attempt failed, cutting the Brookhaven lead to 20-12.
Brookhaven added an insurance score with 4:49 remaining in the game as Keene scored from two yards out. Will Lucas added the extra point, ending the scoring at 27-12.
"It was a few mistakes and one big play that cost us." said Oak Forest head coach Jason Brabham. "We had some turnovers in our first game that ended up giving them the edge. We gave up the kickoff return and the turnover on the first drive gave them a short field. You can't make those mistakes in the playoffs and expect to win."
(Above) Brookhaven's Eli Gatlin (#11) looks for daylight
Posey led the Brookhaven Academy offense, completing 5 of his 13 pass attempts for 123 yards and a touchdown. Nettles followed with 41 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown. Keene added 33 yards on 8 carries with a touchdown.
Rhase Riggins led Oak Forest, picking up 98 yards on 11 carries. Josh Byers followed with 75 yards on 15 carries. Sam Bourgeois picked up 40 yards on 11 carries with two touchdowns.
On defense, Brookhaven had six players record at least ten tackles. Bailey Hodge led the defense with 24 stops. Ken Britt followed with 16 stops, Colby Culbertson added 14, Hunter Franklin and Jacob Philipp recorded 12, and Bubba Keene registered 11 stops. Hodge and Jeff Rushing each recorded a fumble.
Brookhaven advances to meet Simpson Academy for the second time this season. Simpson topped the Cougars 35-23 in the first meeting on September 2.
Kickoff in Mendenhall is 7 p.m. . Photos Courtesy of Sherylyn Evans
