Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week

East Rankin Academy quarterback Jacob Weldon is the Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week. The 6' 1" 170 lb. senior led the Patriots to a 36-29 road win over Lamar this past week rushing for 259 yards on 12 carries and three touchdowns and going 5/5 for 18 yards passing.

Weldon ranks first in rushing amongst MAIS quarterbacks and second in the entire MAIS  with 1,256 yards on the season. His 10.13 yards per carry ranks him among the best also. The senior signal-caller has 15 rushing touchdowns, a receiving touchdown and has 5 touchdowns passing to only one interception for 762 yards.

"Jacob Weldon is an outstanding young man who is full of character," said East Rankin head coach Matt Butts. "He is an amazing teammate who brings out the best in himself and makes his team better. Jacob is the best athlete on the field every Friday night  but is the most humble, hard working athlete I have ever coached," said Butts. "In 27 games as my starting quarterback he has amassed 8,147 yards and scored 69 touchdowns."

Weldon will lead his 5-3 Patriots this Friday night as East Rankin hosts top ranked and undefeated Jackson Prep. 

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MAIS GIRLS SOCCER CHAMPIONS CROWNED

Madison-Ridgeland Academy - Division I Champions

Lamar School - Division II Champions
 

 

Pats smother Chiefs to win seventh straight

Southern Sports & Travel

The similarities were the same heading into Friday night’s Class AAA matchup between two top five squads who both were sporting six game win streaks but third ranked MRA distinguished themselves superior in handing fifth ranked Magnolia Heights a 28-7 thumping before a large home crowd in Madison.

Madison-Ridgeland produced a balanced attack offensively in putting up 264 yards through the air and 116 rushing yards and the Patriot defense held the leading rusher in the MAIS, Fernando Van Hook, to 101 yards.

MRA established the tempo rapidly as the Patriots surgically went 80 yards in 7 plays on the opening possession of the night and took a lead on Caleb Shufelt’s 28 yard touchdown pass to senior wide-out Will Trammell less than two minutes into the contest. Haiden McCraney’s PAT gave the Patriots a 7-0 lead.

After the MRA defense forced Magnolia Heights into a three and out the Patriot offense went to work again, this time led by senior quarterback Matt Porter.

Porter connected with Hunter Gillon for a quick 10 yards to the Magnolia Heights 48 yard line and two plays later hooked up with Will Trammell for 16 yards to the Chief’s 11 yard line. Porter capped the 57 yard drive on a 13 yard pass to Trammell with 2:29 remaining in the opening quarter. McCraney’s PAT gave the Patriots an early 14-0 advantage.

Magnolia Heights saw the deficit grow in the second quarter. On a second and 22 from their own 13 yard line MRA linebacker Andrew Werhan intercepted a Luke Young pass at the Chief’s 9 yard line and rumbled to the 2 before being taken down.

MRA capitalized on the turnover on the next play as Zack Everhart plowed in from 2 yards out and McCraney added the PAT to give Madison-Ridgeland a 21-0 cushion with 3:53 left in the half.

Magnolia Heights finished the half with a shot of momentum as the fifth ranked Chiefs cranked out a 5 play, 80 yard drive that was culminated on a Fernando Van Hook 45 yard scamper at the 2:53 mark of the quarter. Bo Bost added the PAT and the Chiefs would enter intermission trailing 21-7.

Neither squad mounted a scoring threat in a third quarter that saw a turnover from each squad, a missed field goal and three punts but MRA did close the quarter with some push that would carry over into the fourth quarter.

The Patriots increased their lead to 28-7 four plays into the final quarter as Caleb Shufelt hit Will Trammell with a 10 yard touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone to finish off a 9 play, 36 yard drive that began in the closing minutes of the third quarter. McCraney added the PAT and with 10:44 remaining in regulation MRA had the game in hand as Magnolia Heights never threatened the rest of the way.

In winning their seventh straight game MRA improves to 7-1 while Magnolia Heights’ six game win streak is halted and the Chiefs slip to 6-2.

MRA junior tailback Zack Everhart rushed for 104 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown to lead the Patriot ground game. Junior quarterback Caleb Shufelt finished the night going 13/23 for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns while Matt Porter produced 102 yards on 8/10 passing and a touchdown. Senior wide-out Will Trammell had 6 receptions for 82 yards and 3 touchdowns and on special teams senior Haiden McCraney punted 5 times for a 41.6 yard average and went 4/4 in PATs.

Magnolia Heights senior tailback Fernando Van Hook rushed for 101 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown.

MRA will host Class AA and second ranked Simpson next Friday night while Magnolia Heights will be idle.

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Brookhaven stops Bowling Green

Submitted to Southern Sports & Travel

Looking to tune up prior to their first District 5 Class AA contest next week and get back in the win column, the Brookhaven Academy Cougars traveled to Franklinton, LA to do battle with the Bowling Green Buccaneers.  Prior to the game, BA Coach Tripp McCarty said the strategy going in was real was simple, “We have to stop their run game to be successful. “  McCarty continued, “If we do that and force them to make mistakes, we can be successful.”  Rising to the challenge the Cougars did control the Buccaneer run game and cruised to a 32 – 20 victory.

Taking the opening kickoff at their own 33 yard line the Cougars went to work quickly.  Quarterback Gage Posey hit on pass attempts of 20 yards to Seth Rushing and 27 yards to Ross Foreman to push deep into Buccaneer territory.  Posey would then find Rushing from seven yards out for the first score of the game.  Kevin Nettles added the PAT to give the Cougars a 7 – 0 lead at the 9:47 mark of the first quarter.

Bowling Green’s first possession would be short lived.  A Preston Rawls interception in pass coverage from his linebacker position set the Cougars up at the Buccaneer 18 yard line.  Posey wasted no time capitalizing on the Buccaneer miscue finding Will Hickman with a laser between 3 defenders for a 12 yard touchdown pass and catch.  Nettles added the PAT pushing the score to 14 – 0 with 8:17 still to play in the first period.

Pressed to answer the BA scores, Bowling Green got their offense going starting their next possession at their own 35 yard line.  With a mix of pass and run the Bucs were able to penetrate deep into Cougar territory and find the end zone on a 5 yard Jake Williams run.  Grant Ball added the PAT and pulled the Buccaneers closer at 14 – 7 still in the first quarter.

After stalling out BA would be forced to punt and Bowling Green would take possession at their own 37 yard line.  Disaster would strike again for the Buccaneers as BA forced the football loose on a tailback sweep and Jacob Conley recovered for the Cougars at the BG 29 yard line.  Unable to secure a first down the Cougars turned the ball over after a mishandled snap on a 32 yard field goal attempt.  Feeling some momentum swinging their way, Bowling Green came out aggressive with a 20 yard pass from QB Connor McCain to Grant Ball followed by another 13 yard McCain to Ball connection, however, BA cornerback Matthew Evans alertly stripped the pigskin from Ball and raced 36 yards downfield before being forced out of bounds at the Bowling Green 4 yard line.  Junior tailback Landon Nettles would do the work from there with a 4 yard TD run.  The PAT was blocked leaving the Cougars on top at 20 -7 with 2:24 remaining in the quarter and the same score the teams would take to the locker room at halftime.

After swapping possessions to start the second half of play the Cougars would take advantage of another Buccaneer turnover when Tanner Parvin recovered a BG fumble at their own 36 yard line.  Posey wasted no time advancing with a 23 yard pass to Caleb Brown setting up another Posey touchdown strike to Matthew Evans from 12 yards out.  The 2 point conversion pass attempt failed and the Cougars settled for a 26 – 7 lead with 4:06 showing in the third.

The Bucs refusing to quit and behind the passing of McCain were able to find the end zone on a 19 yard pass to Patrick Roublow.  The conversion was stuffed at the line of scrimmage and with 5:41 to play in the contest BA led 26 – 13.  BG was able to hold the Cougars and get the ball back hoping to pull closer and really make things interesting and they did just that.  McCain again guided the Bucs down the field and found tight end Trent Ball on a 6 yard pass play for the touchdown.  Grant Ball would add the PAT and pull the Buccaneers within six points with 2:20 to play.

The ensuing on-sides kick was easily handled by the BA front line at the Bowling Green 49 yard line.  Staying aggressive, Posey would break free on a quarterback keeper off right side for a 43 yard run down to the Buccaneer 6 yard line and call his own number again on a subsequent 4 yard touchdown run icing the contest and securing the 32 – 20 victory for the Cougars.

Coach McCarty commented after the game, “I’m real proud of our team and their effort this past week and tonight.”  “We wanted to control the game with our defense and we did that forcing four turnovers that we were able to take advantage of.”  McCarty continued, “We have to now get ready for a big homecoming week and our first district contest with Columbia next Friday night.”  “Rest assured our boys will be ready for this one.”

Offensively Gage Posey led the Cougars with 212 yards passing and three touchdowns through the air.   Posey added to his total with 57 yards rushing and a touchdown on the ground giving him his 20^th touchdown of the season.  Seth Rushing headed the receiving corps for BA with 5 catches and a touchdown.  Both Will Hickman and Matthew Evans had 2 catches and a score each for the Cougars.  A total of eight different BA receivers had pass receptions on the night.

For the Buccaneers Patrick Roublow netted 84 yards on the ground, 77 of those coming in the first half of play.  Connor McCain completed 21 pass attempts on the night with TD passes to Roublow and Trent Ball.Defensively the Cougars were led by Colby Culbertson with 10 tackles, Garrett Pace with 6 ½ stops and Preston Rawls added 6 tackles and an interception.  Matthew Evans, Tanner Parvin and Jacob Conley each had fumble recoveries for the Cougars.

Brookhaven Academy celebrates Homecoming 2012 next Friday night and the Cougars start their District 5 Class AA play versus Columbia Academy.  Homecoming presentation starts at 6 pm with kickoff to follow at 7 pm on R. M. “Red” Stuard Field.

Colts come from behind for homecoming win
By Kristy Kitchings

It’s been a busy week for the Bayou Academy Colts with homecoming events and the Lady Colts playing for the state championship game in Flowood, but the Colts had a good solid week of practice despite the festivities and it showed on the field Friday night as Bayou pulled out a come from behind win late in the fourth quarter, 28-21. On hand for the big conference game was the 1992 State Championship class reunion along with the Class of 2002.

Bayou would strike first with a combination of passing and ground plays as quarterback, Caleb Pilgrim would take the ball into the end zone on a quarterback keeper for the first six points of the night. The extra point was no good and Bayou leads, 6-0. But it would be all Bayou in the first quarter as Caleb Pilgrim connects with Weber Herbison for a 70-yard touchdown pass down the hash mark and Pilgrim would take the ball himself for the two-point conversion. Bayou extends their lead to 14-0 to close out the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Saints would score after a desperation pass down field on fourth down to put the only points on the board for the second quarter. Bayou would head to the locker room up 14-7. Laurel Hayden Bowen was crowed the 2012-2013 Homecoming Queen during halftime.
The Colts returned to the field for the second half with ball possession and hopes of keeping the lead and delivering a win on homecoming. But the Saints marched on to Colt field to give the Colts a run for their money in the second half and tied the ballgame 14-14 to end the third quarter.

To kick off the fourth quarter, Bayou would be forced to punt and put the ball back in the Saints hands, but the Colt defense stood strong and got the ball back or the offensive unit. Bayou rewarded the defense for the goal line stand with a 50-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Kitchings to Ty Holder to regain the lead, 20-14 with seven minutes on the clock. Bayou would not hold the lead very long when the Saints marched down the field and crossed the end zone to go ahead by one point, 21-20 with just 3:47 on the clock. With just under four minutes, Bayou would have to work together as one offensive unit to get the ball back down field and into the end zone for the win. Hunter Kovac would receive the ball and put the Colts at about mid-field. After three down and outs, the Colts must go for it on fourth down. Kitchings connects with Pilgrim on fourth down and are still alive on the drive. Another three and out by the Colts force another fourth down attempt, but Bayou draws the Saints offsides and issued a first down in the red zone. Kitchings hands the ball off to Pilgrim up the middle for the touchdown and the win, 28-21.

On offense Caleb Pilgrim led the offense in passing with 5-14 attempts for 155 yards and one touchdown and one interception, followed by Tyler Kitchings going 4-12 for 101 yards and one touchdown. Hunter Kovac led the rushing offense with 57 yards, followed by Pilgrim with 41yards and Ty Holder with 23 yards. Weber Herbison led the receiving core with 70 yards, followed by Ty Holder with 55 yards, Cole Hutchinson with 48 yards, Pilgrim with 27 yards, Davis Dalton with 17 yards, and Hunter Kovac with 15 yards.
Defense was led by Ty Holder with seven tackles and four assist, followed by Hunter Kovac with eight tackles and two asset, and Tyler Kitchings with seven tackles and two assist.
“The kids made a pack before the game to be accountable for each other on the field and they executed that pack well. They played as a team and played hard all night. It was mind over matter and they willed themselves to a win this week,” said head coach Terry King. “We knew we could throw the ball on them and we did that. We could have had more receiving yards, but we still have to work on catching the ball. If we play like we played last night every game, we can play with anybody. We gave up some big plays here and there, but our defense really stepped up and played a great game when it counted. We had an off week last week and we did not waste a minute of that time. We made some adjustments and it paid off for us last night.”

Columbia finishes fourth in National Cross Country Meet

Courtesy The Columbian Progress

Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the Columbia Academy Boys Cross Country team in North Carolina Saturday, September 29th. The Cougars traveled to Cary, North Carolina for the American Independent Schools Challenge (AISC). They were met with pouring rain and a very muddy course. The Cougars showed that they couldn’t be intimidated by neither the elements nor 26 of some of the top independent teams in the Nation. They confidently took on the challenging 5K course and some of the Nations best runners as they battled to a very respectable 4th place finish.

Jon Luke Watts led the Cougars finishing 2nd, taking the silver medal, with a personal record and “National Elite” time of 16:14. Michael Reid finished 18th in a personal record time of 17:40 to receive a bronze medal for finishing in the top-25. Trevor Dixon, Luke Coleman, and Sam Carr also set personal records.

“I am very proud of all these guys,” said Coach Duane Powell. “These kids have brought National attention to Columbia Academy, MAIS, and the state of Mississippi. It’s a big deal for a small school like CA to compete at this level,” said Powell, “I feel like we won the thing. Winning the State Championship is great, but this is the Nationals.” CA has won five consecutive MAIS AA State Championships. This was their first attempt at a National meet.

“I told the team I didn’t care where they finished, I just wanted them to dig deep and give it their best” said Powell, “I think they dug a little deeper for Caleb”. The CA Cross Country team has dedicated their season to the memory of Caleb Coleman, a CA All-State runner that was killed in an automobile accident last November.

“It’s unbelievable for these kids to run their season bests and set PR’s on a hilly, muddy course especially after a 15 hour drive. Jon Luke’s second place finish behind the seventh ranked runner in the Nation is awesome, said Powell. Colin Godwin of Cary Academy won the meet and is currently the number seven ranked high school runner in the United States. Powell said, “Michael Reid really stepped up big destroying his PR and going under 18 for the first time. I thank God they were all healthy, that’s always a concern at any meet.”

The Nationally recognized Cougar team consists of Seniors: Tyler Berry, Luke Coleman, Trevor Dixon, Jon Luke Watts; Sophomores: Sam Carr, Joel Hitt, Michael Reid, and 8th Grader Kenny Price.

The AISC is recognized as one of the largest and most prestigious Cross Country meet for independent schools in America. It is sanctioned by the National Scholastic Athletics Association and is part of the annual “Great American Cross Country Festival”, which draws over 500 teams and thousands of runners from across the United States.

The Cougars will be back in action on Tuesday, October 9th, when they host the Caleb Coleman Invitational at the Columbia Water Park. Over 20 schools from Mississippi and Louisiana have entered. Everyone is invited. The meet starts promptly at 4PM and admission is free.

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Columbia Boys AISC results:

2. Jon Luke Watts ---------- 16:14.2

18. Michael Reid ------------ 17:40.1

37. Trevor Dixon ------------ 18:42.2

41. Luke Coleman ---------- 18:47.8

58. Tyler Berry --------------- 19:15.4

68. Sam Carr ----------------- 19:43.0

80. Kenny Price --------------20:04.4

MAIS GIRLS SOFTBALL

Leake Academy

2012 Class AA State Champions

28-2

Copiah Academy
2012 Class AAA State Champions
35-7

Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week

Silliman quarterback Cobb Kelly is the Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week. The 6'1" 185 lb. senior led the 8th ranked Wildcats to a 21-14 come from behind district win over Bowling Green last Friday night.

Kelly rushed for 148 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown and went 10/19 for 163 yards and two touchdowns passing in the playoff spot clinching win on the road.

"Cobb is a humble young man that wants to do whatever he can to help his team win," said Silliman head coach TJ Davis. "When the lights come on Friday nights you see this young man play with all his heart. He has a true love for his teammates and plays with an intense passion for the game of football."

Kelly ranks fourth in Class AA with 774 yards rushing and first in touchdowns with 17 on the season.

Silliman will be hosting Class AAA Copiah this Friday night before closing out the regular season at Adams Christian and at home against Centreville.

North Delta shocks Marshall

By Brad Greer

Add another chapter into the list of classic gridiron battles between North Delta and Marshall Academy.

In a game chalked full of big plays, high intensity and a few eyebrow raising calls by officials, North Delta out slugged the No. 4 ranked Patriots 35-27 Friday night in Holly Springs to extend their 13-game District 1-AA winning streak.

Austin Hagstrom and Tyler Pirtle ran for two touchdowns each while fellow senior Taylor Morris added another as North Delta, (5-2 & 2-0) captured their third straight victory over the Patriots who also fell to 2-1 in league play and 5-2 overall.

"First of all I want to give credit to Marshall, they have got a fine ball team. We knew coming in this was going to be a war and that what it turned out to be," said North Delta head coach Brandon Ciaramitaro. "I saw something in my guys tonight that I have been waiting to see all season and that was to play a full game with less penalties and to dig deep inside themselves and show some leadership while finishing the game the way did," said Ciaramitaro.

North Delta came out firing on all cylinders in the first quarter to jump out to a 20-7 lead as one the second play from scrimmage, Hagstrom took the direct snap from center and raced 86 yards for the score to give the visitors a quick 6-0 lead after William Dean's PAT failed.

Marshall answered right back on their opening possession as Devin McGreger scored on a five-yard run to cap off a eight-play; 45-yard drive to make the score 7-6 with McGreger adding the point after attempt.

The Green Wave retained the lead on the following series as Hagstrom added his second scoring run from three yards out at the 3:40 mark to the first quarter. Chase Coker hauled in the two-point conversion from Pirtle to give the visitors a 14-7 lead.

North Delta extended the lead to 20-7 as Morris crashed in from three yards out on the last play of the quarter. Hagstrom's 26-yard punt return to the Patriot 26 yard line got the drive started.

The roles were reversed in the second quarter as Marshall defense held North Delta to five yards of total offense. Patriot fullback Zack Pritchett bulldozed his way in from one yard out at with 5:48 remaining before halftime to close the margin to 20-14 at intermission. The drive covered 63 yards on 13 plays and chewed up over six minutes off the clock.

Marshall got their fans on its feet to open the second half of play as the Patriots took the opening kickoff and march 78 yards on four plays to take a 21-20 lead as Pritchett scored on ten-yard run followed by McGreger booted the PAT. The drive was highlighted by an amazing 70-yard scramble by fleet-footed quarterback Dakota Dailey in which the sophomore somehow escaped five would-be North Delta defenders before being hauled down at the Green Wave 10-yard line.

Dailey finished the game with 246 all-purpose yards which included 141 yards rushing and 105 yards through the air on 12-of-18 passing and one interception.

"I cant say enough about how Dakota played tonight, he is a great competitor and left everything he had on the field.This was a great game just like it aways is when we play North Delta," said Marshall head coach Bart Jenkins. "They have a great program and we knew what kind of contest it would be. Both teams played extremely hard and for three years in a row it has came down to one big break and they seem to get it and we don't but that is how it goes and we will bounce back," said Jenkins.

The score remained that way until ten minutes left in the game as the Green Wave retook the lead at 28-21 on Pirtle's eight-yard scramble with Hagstrom running in the two-point conversion. Pirtle's 46-yard pass completion to Hagstrom kept the drive alive.

Marshall was not through yet as Pritchett added his final touchdown run of seven yards to close the margin to 28-27 with 5:55 left to play. With fans from both sides on their feet,the Patriots decided to go for the two point conversion instead of the point after that would have tied the game.

The move backfired was Dailey's pass was batted down by Green Wave safety Brett Harrington to retain the North Delta lead at one point.

"We got some guys banged up and I just didn't feel like going into overtime would play to our advantage, but hindsight is 20/20 and that was a high percentage play for us that we just did not make," said Jenkins.

North Delta iced the game on the ensuing kickoff as Herrington scooped up a fumble on the Patriot 44 yard line. Pirtle added the final points with a 27-yard touchdown run with 1:01 left in the game.

After receiving the kickoff, Marshall's last gasp came to an end as Dean picked off a Dailey pass at the North Delta 38.

The Green Wave finished the night with 348 yards of total offense compared to Marshall's 302. Hagstrom led North Delta in rushing with 116 yards on 13 carries while catching four passes for 58 yards. Pirtle followed with 91 yards on 20 carries, Morris chipped in with 58 yards on nine totes and one reception for three yards.

Sam Copeland, Coker and Dean all registered one pass reception for the Green Wave.

Will Magee, Morris and Hunter Pitcher led the North Delta defense with four tackles each. Bradley Booth and Parker Jones added three stops.

Aaron McAlexander reeled in eight catches for 95 yards to lead Marshall in receiving.

North Delta will stay on the road Friday night as they take on Lee (Ark.) while Marshall host MSHAA member H.W.Byers.

Colonels Notch Homecoming Win

By Watson Cook

The Indianola Colonels hosted Manchester Academy Friday night for homecoming. However, the guests were not given a warm welcome. The Colonels celebrated the big night with a 40-21 win.

The Indianola defense got off to a good start on the Mavericks’ opening possession, forcing and recovering a fumble six plays into the drive. Wheeler Timbs fell on the loose ball at the IA 34 yard line and the Colonel offense went to work from there. A 9-play, 66-yard drive was highlighted by Jonathan Holland’s 30-yard touchdown pass to Trey Roberson. It was the Colonels’ first touchdown through the air of the season. The 2-point try failed but IA had the early 6-0 lead. The Colonel defense forced a three and out on the ensuing Maverick drive and Roberson electrified the homecoming crowd with a 52-yard punt return for a touchdown. Holland completed the 2-point pass to Hunter Vance to put IA up 14-0 with 3:40 to play in the first quarter. Manchester quickly answered with an impressive drive, going 66 yards on 4 plays to close the gap to 14-7. Neither team threatened again until late in the second quarter. The Mavericks attempted a 37-yard field goal with just under 1:00 to play. The kick however, was short and landed at the 6 yard line where Roberson picked it up and ran 94 yards untouched for the touchdown. The 2-point run was unsuccessful, leaving the Colonels with a 20-7 lead going into halftime.

The second half was a seesaw affair. IA took the kick and drove 59 yards on 7 plays. Dalton Sykes punched it in from 4 yards out to extend the lead to 26-7 (2-point try unsuccessful). The Mavericks answered again with 3:29 to play in the third on a questionable QB sneak. The touchdown was allowed and Manchester made it a 26-14 game following the PAT. The seesaw continued on the following IA drive as the Colonels marched 61 yards on 13 plays. Ashton Knight provided the points with a 3-yard touchdown run to pad the lead. The 2-point try was again unsuccessful to leave the score 32-14 with 10:48 to play in the game. The Mavericks turned the ball over on downs on their next possession. The Colonels took over at their own 42 and would find the endzone again courtesy of a Tristan Tackett 17-yard scamper. Charles Downs added the 2-point run to make it 40-14. Manchester managed a late touchdown with under 1:00 to play but it was too little, too late. The Colonels were able to take a knee to run out the final seconds and claim a 40-21 homecoming win.

With the win, the Colonels improved to 3-4 on the year. With a bye week ahead, IA will have two weeks to prepare for the stretch run which begins October 12 at Kirk Academy.

Oak Forest stings Brookhaven

Submitted to Southern Sports & Travel

Going into the week and preparing for a good Oak Forest Academy football team, Coach Tripp McCarty knew the BA Cougars would have to be ready to play a very physical Yellow Jacket squad from Amite, LA.  “We beat them twice last year and knocked them out of the playoffs.” said McCarty prior to the game.  “They haven’t forgotten that and are going to show up ready to play.”  Nothing could have been closer to the truth as the Yellow Jackets came in and stung Brookhaven Academy 35 - 21.

Things looked good for the Cougars early as they held Oak Forest to a three and out on the first series of the game then took over at their own 35 yard line.  BA was on a roll and methodically advancing downfield until a fumble halted the BA drive at the Oak Forest 23 yard line.

The Jackets would answer and put together a drive of their own culminated by a 41 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Carter Capdeboscq to slot-back Dave Smith.  Zach Kent added the PAT to give OF a 7 – 0 lead at the 3:56 mark of the first quarter.

On The Cougar’s next possession the Yellow Jackets would force BA into a punting situation after a quick three and out.  With a strong surge up the middle the Jackets were able to smother the punt and recover the blocked attempt deep in BA territory at the 14 yard line.  After converting a key third down and 10 play, Oak Forest took a 14 – 0 lead on a Sam Bourgeois four yard TD run and Kent PAT conversion with: 36 seconds left in the first quarter.

BA would start the second quarter and their next drive at the Oak Forest 26 yard line desperately needing to put points on the board.  A Gage Posey to Seth Rushing 32 yard pass and run would set the Cougars up for their first score of the game when Posey again hit Rushing in the south end zone on a 13 yard touchdown pass play with 9:33 left in the first half.  Kevin Nettles would add the PAT and draw the Cougars closer at 14 – 7.

Oak Forest started their next drive at the 26 yard line of BA and what became the theme of the night, they began to grind out the clock and dominate the line of scrimmage.  Behind runs right at the heart of the Brookhaven Academy defense highlighted by a 19 yard jaunt by Rhase Riggins carrying tacklers with him down inside the Cougar 10 yard line.  Riggins then added to his yardage total on the drive with a 6 yard touchdown run, add the Kent PAT and give the Jackets a 21 – 7 lead that would take the teams to the locker rooms at halftime.

Hoping to get things rolling in the second half, Brookhaven Academy would take the kickoff and drive it 77 yards, converting two key fourth down plays, the second conversion a Posey 17 yard pass just over the OF defender to Ross Foreman.  Nettles added the PAT to again cut the Oak Forest lead to seven points at 21 – 14 with exactly 6:00 to play in the third quarter.

The Yellow Jackets would not score in the third quarter but they would eat up the remaining six minutes of the period and an additional 2:03 of the fourth quarter before Riggins scored his second touchdown of the night on a 4 yard run.  The PAT snap was mishandled and the Jackets had to settle for a 27 - 14 lead with time slipping away from the Cougars.

Unable to convert on a fourth down six at their own 48 yard line, BA turned the ball over to OF with only 7:48 to play in the game.  Sticking to what was working, the Jackets pushed their drive forward capped off by a Bourgeois 10 yard touchdown run and 2 point conversion stretching  the OF lead to 35 – 14 and only 1:40 showing on the clock.

The Cougars started their ensuing drive at the OF 32 yard line and quickly pushed it across the midfield stripe.  Posey would again hook up with Rushing for a 49 yard pass play and touchdown with a mere 60 seconds to play in the contest.  Nettles would add the PAT cutting the Oak Forest lead to 14.

The Brookhaven Academy on-sides kick was quickly recovered by the Yellow Jackets front-line at midfield sealing the 35 – 21 road victory for Oak Forest.  A perplexed Coach McCarty said after the game that this was not the Cougar football team that he saw practice so well all week.  “We didn’t show up to play and they whipped us from the start.  “Give Oak Forest credit, they dominated the run game and totally controlled the clock limiting us to only six possessions the entire game.”  McCarty continued, “We have to show some character and bounce back from where we stand right now.”

Offensively the Brookhaven Academy was led by Gage Posey who passed for 250 yards and three touchdowns completing 21 of 38 attempts.  Seth Rushing snagged 10 catches for 154 yards and 2 scores and Ross Foreman had 38 yards on 6 catches and a score for the Cougars.  Landon Nettles led BA in rushing with 54 yards on 14 carries.

Defensively BA was led by senior linebacker Preston Rawls with 13 tackles.  Colby Culbertson and Garrett Pace each chipped in nine stops for the Cougars.

The Yellow Jackets were led by Sam Bourgeois who had 117 yards on 28 carries and two touchdowns.  Rhase Riggins had 104 yards and two scores as well on the ground.

Brookhaven Academy is on the road next week traveling to Franklinton, LA to meet the Bowling Green Buccaneers before getting into district play on October 12 versus Columbia Academy for Homecoming 2012.

Cats roar back in second half to secure playoff birth

Southern Sports & Travel

Before the first quarter had ended the Silliman Wildcats had committed two turnovers, both resulting in Bowling Green touchdowns, and their attempt at clinching a playoff spot with a win looked grim but an opening second half scoring drive and a stellar defensive effort spurred Silliman to a 21-14 road win thus securing a playoff position for the second consecutive year.

Silliman quarterback Cobb Kelly produced 311 yards of offense and 3 touchdowns and Silliman’s defense delivered in the second half by forcing four Bowling Green punts, stopping a fourth down attempt and collecting a safety in the closing seconds to secure the Wildcat’s second come from behind win in two weeks.

Silliman’s offense looked out of sorts on their opening possession of the night as Buccaneer linebacker Russ Smith recovered a Wildcat fumble at the Silliman 12 yard line less than five minutes into the contest.

Bowling Green made good on the Silliman turnover and capitalized when sophomore quarterback Connor McCain plowed in from one yard out five plays later for the night’s first score. Grant Ball’s PAT gave Bowling Green an early 7-0 lead at the 4:24 mark of the opening quarter.

On Silliman’s third possession of the quarter disaster struck once again when and option toss in the backfield went array at the Wildcat 9 yard line and a mad scramble ensued and when all was said and done Buccaneer senior Russ Smith recovered the football in the end zone for another Bowling Green score. Ball added the PAT to increase the advantage to 14-0 with 1:07 still left in the first quarter.

Just when Silliman thought it could get no worse it did as the Cats committed their third turnover in four offensive possessions to start the game. Cobb Kelly’s pass to wide-out Thomas Myles was jarred loose after the reception and recovered by Bowling Green’s Coleman Knight at the Wildcat 27 yard line with 10:14 to go in the first half.

(Above) Silliman quarterback Cobb Kelly (#1) had 311 total yards and 3 touchdowns on the night

Bowling Green moved to the Silliman 6 yard line before the Wildcat defense began to stiffen. A four yard loss on a Connor McCain run on third down put Bowling Green into a fourth and goal from the ten yard line but the Bucs chose to go for it instead of a field goal attempt. McCain’s pass to Sebastian Milton came up three yards short of the goal line giving possession back to Silliman with just over six minutes remaining in a first half that would close with Bowling Green holding a 14-0 edge.

Silliman started the third quarter by rolling out a five play, 80 yard drive that was highlighted by the play of senior quarterback Cobb Kelly. Kelly ran for 25 yards on the drive and hooked up with Thomas Myles on a 42 yard pass play to the Buccaneer 20 yard line. Kelly completed the drive on the next play when he connected with Zach Kelly on a 20 yard touchdown strike and following a successful Brady Brian PAT the Cats had cut the deficit in half at 14-7 with 9:33 left in the quarter.

(Above) Silliman defensive end Jordan Talley (#72) had two late 4th quarter sacks

Bowling Green’s defense came up big on Silliman’s next possession as junior defensive back James Lavigne picked off a Kelly pass in Buccaneer territory with 6:21 remaining in the third quarter and it looked to have given Bowling Green the momentum as the Buc’s offense moved from their own 39 yard line to Silliman’s 17 in six plays but the drive would be halted as tailback Patrick Roublow was dropped for a three yard loss and Silliman sophomore defensive end Jordan Talley recorded consecutive sacks on Conner McCain on third and fourth down to give the football back to the Wildcats at their own 34 yard line.

Bowling Green took a 14-7 lead into the fourth quarter but on Silliman’s first possession the Cat’s offense began forcing its’ will on the Buc's defense.

Following a 50 yard punt from Bowling Green’s Grant Ball the Wildcats produced a 9 play, 93 yard drive that took just under four minutes and was capped on a Cobb Kelly 14 yard touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone to Trey Rockforte with 4:23 remaining in regulation.

Silliman’s PAT to tie the contest went wide left preserving a 14-13 Buccaneer lead.

Bowling Green’s offense was forced into a quick three and out and a shanked punt on fourth down set Silliman up at the Buccaneer 37 yard line with 2:01 remaining.

(Above) Bowling Green's Patrick Roublow gets taken down by two Silliman defenders

A Cobb Kelly pass to Trey Rockforte pushed the Wildcats to the Bowling Green 18 yard line on second down and three plays later Kelly connected with Zach Kelly at the Buccaneer 7 yard line with 51 seconds remaining and forcing a Wildcat time-out.

Kelly's first down pass to tailback Todd Bourgeois got the Cats to the 2 yard line and out of bounds to stop the clock at 44 seconds and Kelly scored the go ahead and eventual game winning touchdown on the next play to give Silliman their first lead of the night at 19-14 with 36 seconds left in regulation.

Silliman’s two-point conversion attempt failed.

Silliman secured the 21-14 win as a mishandled Bowling Green snap on third down found its’ way out of the back of the end zone with 8 seconds remaining.

“We started off slow,” said Silliman quarterback Cobb Kelly. “They forced a couple of fumbles and scored but we stayed in the game. Our coaches made some good adjustments at the half and we came out as a team. Our line did a great job and we managed to put up 21 points. It was a tough game and we knew coming in it would be. It’s a good feeling to know we already have a playoff spot.”

Kelly (Photo left) went 10/19 passing for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns and rushed for 148 yards on 20 carries and a score.

Trey Rockforte had 3 receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown and Zach Kelly had 4 receptions for 55 yards and a score.

Patrick Roublow led Bowling Green with 63 yards on 18 carries.

Silliman improves to 4-3 and 3-0 in District 6-AA play and will host Copiah next week. Bowling Green falls to 4-3 and 1-1 in district play and will host Brookhaven.

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Post Game with Silliman head coach TJ Davis

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