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 Columbia wins 6th straight title

Columbia Academy - Class AA Champions

The Columbia Academy Boys Cross Country team won their 6th consecutive State Championship at Choctaw Trails in Clinton, MS, yesterday. In a dominating performance, the Cougars placed all seven scoring runners in the top-12, beating 2nd place Silliman Institute by 56 points. Jon Luke Watts won his 3rd consecutive Individual State Title in a time of 16:37.96. Watts finished a minute and 26 seconds ahead of second place Douglas Mumme of Carroll Academy. CA Sophomore Michael Reid finished 3rd, with Tyler Berry, 5th, Trevor Dixon, 8th, Luke Coleman, 9th, Michael Maliden, 11th,and Sam Carr, 12th. Since their beginning in 2007, the XC Cougars have asserted themselves as a power house in MAIS Cross Country. MAIS doesn’t keep records or stats on Cross Country, so it’s hard to determine the record for consecutive State Championships. However, Director of Activities Les Tripplet said on WJDR Radio that in his twenty years with MAIS he doesn’t remember a Boys team being this dominate. CA Senior Jon Luke Watts, who is being heavily recruited by several D1 schools, wouldn’t name a college preference when asked by WJDR Radio. However, when asked if he was leaning to any college, Watts stated that he wanted to run in the SEC. Watts has made official athletic visits to Alabama, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss. He is not expected to commit before National Signing Day on Feb. 6th, 2013.

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Canton Academy - Class AA State Champions



MAIS 2012 CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS



Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week

Deer Creek tailback Tanner Bennett is the Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the week. The 6' 242 lb. senior rushed for 166 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown and had 5 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown in the Warrior's 34-20 upset win at home over then second ranked DeSoto before a large Homecoming crowd.

Bennett has rushed for 985 yards on the season and was instrumental in leading Class A fourth ranked Deer Creek to their first win over DeSoto since 2003 but more importantly the District 1-A Championship on Friday night.

"Tanner demonstrates his leadership not only physically but spiritually as well," said first year Deer Creek head coach Murry Rhodes. "Three summers at FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) camp of learning to be a leader for FCA here on campus has prepared him to be a leader on the field also. I think there is a strong correlation between both of those characteristics. He showed this Friday night leading by action and words and I'm so proud of him."

Bennett will lead Deer Creek (8-1 & 5-0) as they finish out the regular season this Friday on the road against district foe West Memphis before hosting a round one playoff game against the fourth seed from District 2-A.

Colonels fall short at North Delta

By Watson Cook

Few people gave the Indianola Colonels a fighting chance last Friday night, having to go on the road to play the #4 team in AA and district-leading North Delta. The Colonels however, gave North Delta the fight of the season before falling short 35-32.

North Delta had possession to open the game and had success moving the ball early in the drive, getting inside the Colonel 20 before Hunter Vance intercepted a pass to the keep the Green Waves off the board. The Colonels took over at their own 20 and drove 80 yards on 9 plays. Jonathan Holland completed a screen pass to Ashton Knight who took it 37 yards for a touchdown. The duo hooked up again on the 2-point conversion to put the Colonels on top 8-0 with 3:18 to play in the first quarter. North Delta answered quickly with a 5-play, 60-yard drive to close the gap to 8-7 following the PAT. The Colonels were forced to punt on their next possession, giving the Green Waves the ball at their own 25 to start the second quarter. North Delta made quick work of the drive, going 75 yards on 1 play to take a 14-8 lead and the momentum away from the Colonels. After turning the ball over on downs, it appeared things may slip away from IA. However the defense, with the help of a 15-yard penalty, forced a three-and-out on North Delta's next possession. Wheeler Timbs got the Colonels back in the game with a 75-yard punt return touchdown. The 2-point pass was incomplete, leaving the score tied at 14-14 with 8:23 to play before the half. IA would re-take the lead on the next offensive series with Knight's second touchdown of the night, a 63-yard run to put the Colonels up 20-14 with 6:04 to play in the second quarter. The 2-point attempt was unsuccessful. Not to be outdone, North Delta answered once again with a touchdown to cap a 4-play, 56-yard drive. After the PAT, the Green Waves led 21-20. With 4:41 on the clock, and 69 yards in front of them, the Colonels went to work looking to regain the lead before halftime. They did just that, with a 6-yard carry into the endzone by Dalton Sykes with 2:00 to play in the half. However, the third unsuccessful 2-point attempt in a row left the Colonels with only a 26-21 lead. The two minutes on the clock proved to be plenty of time for North Delta as they needed only 2 plays to go 65 yards and put the final points of an explosive first half on the board. The Green Waves carried a 28-26 lead to the locker room.

After combining for 54 first half points, the Colonels and Green Waves continued to move the ball on each other in the second half. However, points were at a premium. The Colonels struck for their only points of the second half on their first possession. Holland found Michael Sykes on a screen pass from 9 yards out to highlight an 8-play, 49-yard drive that put IA up 32-28 with 8:11 to play in the third quarter. The 2-point run failed. Each team continued to take the ball up and down the field for the remainder of the quarter and into the fourth, but could not take advantage of scoring opportunities as both defenses came up with drive-killing stops. In fact, the Colonels got inside the Green Wave 10 twice but were held out of the endzone. North Delta finally broke through with the dagger with 2:07 to play in the game on a 34-yard touchdown run to cap a 9-play, 98-yard drive. The Green Wave went up 35-32 following the PAT and would hold on to win as the Colonels could not get anything going on their final possession.

With the loss, IA falls to 4-5 (1-2) on the year. The good news for the Colonels is that the playoffs still appear to be within reach. IA can lock up a wild card spot with a win this Friday at home on Senior Night when the Carroll Academy Rebels come to Legion Field. Kickoff is set for 7:00.

Glory Days, they last forever

Southern Sports & Travel
To quote the words of one of the most famous philosopher’s of my generation, “Glory days, well they’ll pass you by…..Glory days in the wink of a young girl’s eye…..Glory days, Glory days.” These words are from none other than the great Bruce Springsteen and while I humorously refer to him as a famous philosopher of my generation those words have a special and deep meaning that ring true in the hearts and minds of many post high school graduates such as myself. The years have swiftly sped by but certain things can trigger memories from what most of us “old” folks consider as our “Glory Days.”
Last Friday I made the 250 mile drive north for the DeSoto at Deer Creek class A game. Having graduated from a small school it doesn’t take long for those memories to be refreshed in my mind. Small things can trigger thoughts and occurrences that took place some 30 years ago whether it’s the smell of freshly cut grass, cheerleaders on the sidelines (My wife was one) or the halftime entertainment that most football players never see. On most Friday nights I spend lots of time reflecting about the game I just covered as I drive back home and in between text messages and calls I lay out in my mind how to write about that particular game. A portion of that reflection is also directed towards how special those years were for me and it generates a curiosity in my mind as to whether the athletes I see every Friday night will cherish those same things I did.
If you hear someone use the phrase “I wouldn’t have done anything differently” they’re probably not telling the truth. I like to tease some of the kids from time to time that they had better enjoy their high school playing days because they will wake up tomorrow, 47 years old, and asking where all the time went.
As the 2012 football season winds down and teams fight for playoff positions my hope is that along the way you relish the small things. The time spent just before and after the game, the handshakes or pats on the back from supporters, the special camaraderie amongst competitors, the bus rides and of course the butterflies before a game. There is no substitution for high school football, there are no do-overs. As I frequently whispered into my son’s ear before games, "enjoy every minute of it because it’s special."
With only one game remaining for many and the playoffs on the horizon for some, enjoy the little things, live every play like it’s your last. Whether you’re a starter or a backup make the most of your opportunity to make memories so that you can be that one to honestly say, “I wouldn’t have done anything differently.”

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See ya somewhere..........

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**Note**

The above is an article from October, 2010 and is reposted each season prior to the last regular season football game. Portions have been edited.

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Deer Creek stuns DeSoto, wins district championship

Southern Sports & Travel

Redemption, sleeplessness, anxiety, motivation……. As each week passed this season the Deer Creek Warriors began feeling all of these emotions as the week ten October meeting with second ranked DeSoto approached and when it became abundantly clear that homecoming week would also include a chance to win a district championship outright all of those emotions were heightened.

Defeating a perennial power in Class A MAIS football isn’t an easy task and it’s particularly difficult when that power has doled out four straight lopsided beatings by a combined 113-8 but on a cool night in the heart of the Mississippi Delta the Deer Creek Warriors claimed the District 1-A Championship with a 34-20 win over a shocked DeSoto squad and supporting fans.

(Above) Deer Creek tailback Tanner Bennett (#44) rushed for 166 yards

Deer Creek senior tailback Tanner Bennett summed up his feelings after the game describing the days leading up to Friday night’s contest. “This was the biggest game I’ve ever played in,” said Bennett. “This was my first win over DeSoto going all the way back to junior varsity and I knew this would be my last chance tonight and it’s redemption from all those years of coming up short against them. I couldn’t sleep last night because I was so excited thinking about this game.”

In helping Deer Creek beat DeSoto for the first time since 2003 Bennett did more than his share. The 6’ 242 lb. senior piled up 166 yards and a touchdown rushing and had 5 receptions for 85 yards and another score.

Deer Creek looked eager to send an early message as the Warriors took the opening kick-off and produced a 16 play drive that burned nearly seven minutes but the drive would stall as DeSoto held Deer Creek on a fourth down pass that came up short at the Thunderbird 5 yard line.

DeSoto looked every bit the second ranked team in Class A as the Thunderbirds responded with a 95 yard, 6 play drive that took just over one minute off the game clock. Tailback Carl Pittman plunged in from 2 yards out with 4:15 remaining in the opening quarter to put the finishing touches on the drive. Rowland Brothers added the PAT to give the Thunderbirds a 7-0 lead.

That would be DeSoto’s only lead of the night.

Deer Creek answered with a 65 yard drive that was capped on junior quarterback Hobie Hobart’s 30 yard burst with 1:10 left in the quarter and Josh Wooley would knot the contest up at 7-7 with a successful PAT.

Deer Creek’s defense gave the football back to the Warrior offense in quick fashion as defensive back Josh Wooley intercepted a Zac Manning second down pass at the DeSoto 35 yard line with 30 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Nine seconds later Deer Creek took their first lead of the night as Tanner Bennett erupted with a 35 yard touchdown run and Wooley added the PAT to give the Warriors a 14-7 advantage.

After forcing DeSoto’s offense into a three and out early in the second quarter Deer Creek set up shop at their own 33 yard line.

Tanner Bennett promptly broke off a 25 yard run to the DeSoto 42 yard line and 8 plays later Hobie Hobart connected with Bennett for a 9 yard touchdown strike at the 6:45 mark of the second quarter. Wooley’s PAT extended the Deer Creek lead to 21-7, a lead the Warriors would carry into intermission.

Deer Creek threatened to blow the game open in the third quarter as the Warriors took their first possession of the half and marched 80 yards in 7 plays. Quarterback Hobie Hobart and tailback Tanner Bennett dominated much of the drive as the two scrambled and ran their way to the DeSoto 6 yard line where Hobart would muscle his way in for a score with 5:38 left in the quarter. Wooley’s PAT attempt was blocked but Deer Creek had pushed their lead to 27-7.

DeSoto grabbed some much needed momentum when linebacker Sam Howe blocked a Stone Bennett punt and a recovery was made at the Deer Creek 30 yard line with 46 seconds left in the quarter.

(Above) DeSoto quarterback Zac Manning (#7) fights off pressure from the Deer Creek defense

DeSoto tailback Bradley Harper quickly ripped off 27 yards to the Warrior 3 yard line and the sophomore cashed in on the next play to cut into the Deer Creek lead. Rowland Brothers’ PAT trimmed the deficit to 27-14 to close out the third quarter.

DeSoto’s defense wasted little time in giving possession back to their offense as the Thunderbirds forced Deer Creek into a three and out but any momentum gained was dampened when a fumble was recovered by Deer Creek’s Chance Turner at the Thunderbird 40 yard line with 8:49 remaining in regulation.

The turnover proved costly for DeSoto as Deer Creek proceeded to plow 40 yards in 12 plays and burned six minutes off the clock to essentially close the door and lock up the game on a 9 yard Hobie Hobart keeper with 2:50 remaining to extend the lead to 34-14.

DeSoto scored on a 43 yard touchdown pass from Zac Manning to Reed St. Columbia with 1:50 remaining but it was too little too late as Deer Creek held on to take a 34-20 win to improve to 8-1 overall and 5-0 in District 1-A play.

In addition to Tanner Bennett’s 251 yards on offense junior quarterback Hobie Hobart rushed for 82 yards on 18 carries and 3 touchdowns and went 6/9 for 90 yards and a touchdown.

Carl Pittman led DeSoto with 128 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown and Bradley Harper added 95 yards on 13 carries and a score.

Deer Creek will travel to West Memphis to close out the regular season next Friday while DeSoto (7-2 & 4-1) goes to Tunica.

“We have to remain focused and continue to have the same intensity we’ve had all season,” said Tanner Bennett. “Next week is another big game and we give credit to all our coaches for keeping us focused and prepared.”

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Post Game with Deer Creek head coach Murry Rhodes

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Brookhaven overpowers Adams

Submitted to Southern Sports & Travel

Coming off their best performance of the 2012 campaign, Coach Tripp McCarty was eager to get his Brookhaven Academy Cougars back under the lights on Friday night.  Prior to their game with Adams County Christian School, McCarty commented, “We played our most complete game of the year last week and now we have to make sure it translates to this week against a very well coached ACCS squad on their home field.” Any sight of a letdown was diminished early as the Cougars cruised to a sound 35 – 19 victory over the Rebels in the River City of Natchez.

The Cougars came out of the gate quick taking the opening kickoff at their own 37 yard line and marching downfield highlighted by a Gage Posey to Seth Rushing pass for 37 yards then capped off by a seven yard Landon Nettles burst off left tackle for the first score of the game in just 1:56.  Matthew Evans swept around right end for the two point conversion giving the Cougars an early 8 – 0 lead.

The Cougars would hold ACCS on downs forcing a punt and Posey would engineer an 80 yard drive for the Cougars.  A quick 16 yard strike to Rushing followed by 25 yard pass to Caleb Brown would push the Cougars deep into Rebel territory.  Posey connected again with Rushing for a 15 yard touchdown pass in the south end zone.  Kevin Nettles added the PAT giving the Cougars a 15 – 0 advantage with 4:50 left to play in the 1^st period.

ACCS would mount a solid drive of their own behind a pair of skilled sophomore running backs, Lester Wells and Trey Fleming.  Controlling the ball for over 7 minutes, the Rebels found pay dirt on a 6 yard TD run by Wells at the 8:49 mark of the 2^nd quarter.  The 2 point conversion run failed settling the score at 15 – 6 BA.

The Cougars returned the Rebel kickoff back to their own 32 yard line hoping to quickly answer the Rebel score.  As if on cue, Posey took the first snap of the drive and hit Rushing on a post pattern who then shook off one would-be tackler and waltzed into the end zone for a 68 yard touchdown connection.  Nettles would add the PAT and give the cougars a 22 – 6 lead with 8:31 to play in the 2^nd period.

Feeling the need to retain possession and keep the Cougar offense off the field, ACCS Coach David King decided to gamble and go for a fourth down conversion on their next drive near midfield.  A quarterback sack by Tanner Parvin halted the Rebel drive and set the Cougars up at the ACCS 41 yard line.  Posey hit Nettles on a perfectly executed screen pass and a jarring block by Matthew Evans had the Cougars knocking on the door once again.  Posey took it the final 2 yards off right tackle for the touchdown and stretched the  Cougar lead to 28 – 6 with 5:13 to play in the 2^nd quarter.

BA’s defense would again hold ACCS and get the ball back with 2:39 to play in the half.  Not wanting to sit on the 22 point lead, Posey went to work hitting Landon Nettles on a 31 yard wheel route out of the backfield that set him (Nettles) up for his second TD run of the night from 10 yards out 2 plays later.  Kevin Nettles added the PAT and the Cougars took a 35 – 6 lead with 1:26 to play in the half.

After a 24 yard Wells kickoff return, the Rebels marched downfield and quarterback Brandon Ross hit tight end Shane Pollan in the seam for a 12 yard touchdown pass with just :12 showing on the clock.  The point after conversion run failed and the Cougars took a 35 – 12 lead to the locker room at half.

The Cougars would hold the Rebels forcing a punt on their opening possession of the second half and take over at their own 13 yard line.  The Cougars netted two quick first downs and Coach McCarty decided to call it a night for his starters.  Sophomore quarterback Heath Hickman took over and mounted a long drive behind hard running from junior tailback Parker Myrick pushing down to the Rebel 1 yard line.  A fine play by the ACCS defensive line held the Cougars out of the end zone on 4^th down but the young Cougars showed promise on a well-executed drive.

As minutes ticked off the clock, the Rebels put together one late drive and found the end zone on a 3 yard run by Tristan Beach.  Austin Walker added the PAT which concluded the scoring for the night for both teams wrapping up the victory for the Cougars in convincing fashion by a score of 35 – 19.

When asked about his team’s performance McCarty quickly commented, “How about our offensive line play!  Those guys are getting it done upfront and allowing us to do a lot of things all over the field.”  Working in the trenches for the Cougars are Drew Phillip, Wyatt, Pepper, Cody Thornhill, Ryan Kimble and Travis Thornton.  “In 35 passing attempts the last two games, our offensive line has only allowed the defense to touch Gage (Posey) one time.”  “That’s the way you win football games”, said an excited McCarty.

The Cougars were led offensively by yet another near perfect night by Posey who completed 13 of 15 first half passes for 285 and two scores while adding another touchdown on the ground.  Landon Nettles had two touchdowns and 70 yards rushing on nine carries in a short night of work.  Parker Myrick had a productive outing for BA with 31 yards on 11 carries.

Defensively the Cougars were led by Garrett Pace and Heath Hickman with 6 tackles each.  Landon Nettles, Jacob Conley and Tramel Shed all contributed 5 stops and Jacob Thurman had an interception for the game’s only turnover.

ACCS was led on the ground by Trey Fleming’s 91 yards on 14 carries and Lester Wells chipped in 63 yards and a score on 20 carries for the Rebels.

The Cougars wrap up their regular season play next Friday night at home on R. M. “Red” Stuard Field at 7:00 p.m. versus the Trinity Episcopal Saints with both teams vowing for the 2012 District 5 AA title.

Bayou falls to Tunica

By Kristy Kitchings

The Bayou Academy Colts were stunned on their home turf Friday night in District 1A action when the Tunica Academy Blue Devils celebrated at mid field with a 14-10 victory.
The Colts won the toss and elected to play defense and kicked off to the Blue Devils. Tunica kept the ball on the ground and after a three-and-out were forced to punt. Bayou put the ball in the hands of quarterback Caleb Pilgrim and the Colts worked their way down to the 1-yard line but after four attempts to get into the end zone, the Colts would turn the ball over on downs at the 1-yard line. Tunica took the ball 99- yards and drove the ball for the first points of the night and the lead to end the first quarter 7-0.
Ty Holder would return the kick off and put the Colts in great field position but once again the Colts would get the ball to the 1-yard line and could not capitalize and get any points on the board and turn the ball over on downs. Back and forth punts between the Colts and Blue Devils would give the Colts back to the Colts before the end of the half and sophomore Weber Herbison would complete a successful field goal and get the Colt on the board 7-3 and trailing heading into the locker room at half time.
The second half the Colts would get the ball back but penalties and miscues would continue to haunt the home team. The Colts defense returned to the field and held the Blue Devils on fourth and short at mid field and turned the ball back over the Colts on downs. Pilgrim would later connect with Weber Herbison for a touchdown and take the lead 10-7 with 2:25 left in the third quarter. The Colts excitement would be short lived as the Blue Devils would answer the touchdown on the next possession and go ahead 14-10.
With only twelve minutes left to go in regulation, Pilgrim would would try to connect with Cole Hutchinson in the end zone and be intercepted and the Blue Devils return on offense at the 10-yard line. Neither team would be able to put any more points on the board in the final quarter and Tunica takes a home win away from the Colts 14-10.
“It was a tough game and our young men played hard but just did not comet on top. We won the statistical war, just not the one on the scoreboard,” said King after the loss.
Pilgrim had 17 carries for 130 yards, followed by Davis Dalton with 12 carries for 75 yards, Ty Holder with 65 yards and Hunter Kovac with 11 carries for 44 yards. Passing on the night was Pilgrim on 3-6 for 101 yards and Tyler Kitchings 1-4 for 25 yards. Herbison had three catches for 84 yards and Kovac had two receptions for 40 yards.
Bayou ( 5-4 overall and 3-3 district ) will await their fate next week to find out if they will be the number 3 or 4 seed in the MAIS Class 1A playoffs. Up next for the Colts is a home game against Hillcrest. Game time is set for 7pm.

Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week

For the first time this season multiple players are named The Gateway Tire & Service Center Player of the Week. Three senior quarterbacks are recognized for exemplary performances in leading their squads to week nine victories.

< Cobb Kelly led eighth ranked Silliman to a 49-42 road win over Adams Christian with 141 yards rushing on 15 carries and 2 touchdowns, went 14/26 for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns and had a 40 yard punt return for a touchdown in helping the Wildcats earn their fourth straight win to improve to 6-3 on the season.

"I have been pleased with the way Cobb has continued to play his senior year," said Silliman head coach TJ Davis. "He and his teammates  continue to work hard towards our team goals. He has relied on his linemen to open the running lanes and his receivers to make plays down field. He credits his teammates for their hard work and willingness to never give up until all 48 minutes are off the clock."

Kelly has rushed for 1,029 yards and leads the MAIS with 27 touchdowns.

< Gage Posey put on a quarterback clinic in Brookhaven's 41-0 win over Columbia Academy. The senior was 16/19 for 304 yards and 4 touchdowns in just three quarters of play and added 69 yards on the ground.

The southpaw's season numbers are impressive with 1,689 yards on 128/209 passing for a 61% completion rate to go along with 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Posey has a 102 quarterback rating and 24 total touchdowns on the season.

"Gage is a completely unselfish quarterback," said Brookhaven head coach Tripp McCarty. "He worked his butt off this past year and his play is definitely showing it."

Posey will be looking to help the Cougars win their third straight this Friday night in a huge District 5-AA meeting at Adams Christian.

< North Delta quarterback Tyler Pirtle has battled injuries this season but the senior signal caller looks to be shaping back into form after leading the fourth ranked Green Wave to their fifth straight win, this one a 41-7 blow-out over Carroll Academy. In the win Pirtle rushed for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns and was 7/9 for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns.

"Tyler makes his teammates better," said North Delta head coach Brandon Ciaramitaro. "He brings a live or die attitude to the football field and always gives 100%. He is a joy to coach and is a quality young man."

North Delta can clinch their third consecutive District 1-AA championship this Friday night as they host Indianola to close out their regular season.

Bayou crushes Cougars

By Kristy Kitchings
The trip across the Mississippi River bridge ended in a win for the Bayou Academy Colts as they travelled to Marianna, Ark. to take on district opponent, Lee Academy. Bayou cruised into Cougar territory and handed the winless team another loss on their homecoming 39-11.
Bayou received the ball to start the game and kept the ball on the ground the first possession and use much of the clock for the first quarter. After several big drives, Caleb Pilgrim would find the end zone for the first six points of the night and the PAT from Weber Herbison was good, 7-0 Bayou. The Cougars used their possession to put points on the board, but the Colts defense held Lee to a field goal and the first quarter would come to an end, 7-3 Bayou.
Ty Holder would get his first touchdown on the night to kick off the second quarter and the PAT from Herbison was good and the Colts lead 15-3. After back and forth possessions in the second quarter, the Cougars would be forced to punt on one possession and senior Hunter Kovac would get the block and sophomore William Hood takes it to the end zone for six points and the two-point conversion is no good and the Bayou lead is now 21-3. The Cougar would have one last drive before halftime to put points on the board but Holder would intercept the pass to the Cougar receiver at the 9-yard line and end the first half with a 21-3 lead.
Lee received to start the second half but after three and out, were forced to punt. A solid ground game by the Colts moved the ball down field and Holder would find the end zone for the second time on the evening and the two-point conversion was not good but Bayou extends their lead 27-3 to end the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was big for the Bayou defense as Davis Dalton and Holder both recovered a fumble and returned possession back over the offense. Bayou would reward the defense and score on both possessions. Kovac would bob and weave around defenders for a 31-yard touchdown and Tyler Kitchings would take it in on the quarterback sneak from the 1-yard line to close out the win 39-11.
Senior Caleb PIlgrim led the offense with five carries for 47 yards, 2-3 passing for 64 yards, and one touchdown, followed by Ty Holder with eight carries for 74 yards and two touchdowns, Hunter Kovac with 10 carries for 106 yards, Davis Dalton with 11 carries for 112 yards, and Weber Herbison with one reception for 50 yards. Bayou kept the ball on the ground for 339 yard of rushing offense and end the night with 403 yards of total offense.
Defensively the Colts were lead by seniors Hunter Kovac with 7 solo tackles and 2 assist and a blocked punt and Ty Holder with nine solo tackles, one assist and a fumble recovery.
“Our young men played great Friday night. The coaching staff of coach Scott, coach Reed, coach Blount and coach Hitt did a great job of following through with our game plan and the kids executed on the field,” said head coach Terry King.
Up next for the Colts ( 5-3 overall and 3-2 district ) is a home game against opponent, Tunica Academy.

Colonels pound Kirk

By Watson Cook

With two weeks remaining in the regular season, the IA Colonels moved a step closer to securing a playoff berth with a 42-21 win on the road at Kirk Academy Friday night. The Raiders simply had no answer for the Colonels rushing attack as IA piled up 470 yards on the ground.
Ashton Knight set the table for the Colonels' big night with a 55-yard touchdown run on the third play of the game to highlight a 3-play, 63-yard drive and give IA the early 6-0 lead. The 2-point attempt was unsuccessful. The Colonel defense, which forced four turnovers on the night, stopped the Raiders with a three and out on their first possession and the offense quickly took advantage. Taking over at their own 38 following the punt, the Colonels needed only five plays to strike again as Trey Roberson would find paydirt from 11 yards out. Knight added the 2-point run to put IA up 14-0 midway through the opening quarter. The Raiders threatened on their following drive, getting inside the Colonel 30 before Charles Downs picked off a pass near the goal line. The interception was Downs' first of the year and first of two on the night. The Colonels however, would return the favor by coughing up the ball on the third play of the next drive. The fumble proved costly as Kirk found the endzone on the third play of the second quarter to cut the IA lead to 14-7 following the PAT. The Colonels and Raiders went back and forth in the second quarter with each team scoring on every possession. The Raiders put 14 more points on the board in the quarter, as did the Colonels. Knight and Roberson added touchdown runs of 56 and 20 yards respectively. IA converted one of two 2-point attempts (Knight run) to go to halftime with a 28-21 lead.
The defense came up big in the second half for the Colonels. After forcing a punt on the Raiders' first drive of the half, the two teams exchanged fumbles. While Kirk could not take advantage of the IA fumble, the Colonels made sure they got something out of the Raider turnover. Taking over at their own 42, the Colonels went 58 yards on 4 plays, capped by Knight's third touchdown of the night, a 10-yard run with 5:36 to play in the third. Knight added the 2-point run to push the Colonel lead to 36-21. The Raiders' stuggles in the second half would continue as Hunter Vance and Downs each came up with an interception on the next two Kirk possessions. Following Downs' pick, IA took over at the Kirk 43. One play was all it took for Wheeler Timbs to sprint 43 yards to the endzone with 9:41 to play in the fourth quarter. The 2-point try was unsuccessful, leaving the Colonels with a 42-21 lead which would hold to be the final score. The Colonel offense was sloppy for the remainder of the quarter. Thankfully the defense, led by Wilson Reed's 17 total tackle performance, was able to keep the Raiders from putting additional points on the board.
The win improved the Colonels to 4-4 on the year, 1-1 in district play. A road trip to take on district-leading North Delta looms this Friday night. Kickoff from Batesville is set for 7:00.

Bobcats hang on for win over Parklane

Southern Sports & Travel

The fourth ranked Presbyterian Bobcats inched a bit closer to clinching a playoff spot with a 28-21 win over fifth ranked Parklane last night in Hattiesburg and after securing the win the overwhelming majority of Presbyterian players and coaches exuded a sense of relief after enduring a turnover laden second half that left the door open for a late Parklane rally.

Presbyterian looked primed to make senior night one to remember as the Bobcats struck early. Quarterback Daniel Patterson hit wide-out Chris Addison on a post route that resulted in a 47 yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage and Troy Waites nailed the PAT to give the Bobcats a 7-0 lead just 16 seconds into the contest.

“We talked about opening the game with that play yesterday at practice,” said senior Bobcat quarterback Daniel Patterson. “When we lined up I read the defense and saw the opportunity and Chris Addison ran a perfect route.”

Parklane answered with a promising drive that began on their own 20 yard line and progressed to the Bobcat 25 but fizzled when a fourth and 5 pass from Brady Lea to Joseph Clark came up short at the Presbyterian 27 yard line with 9:01 remaining on the opening quarter.

(Above) Presbyterian tailback Fate Eiland (#22) finds running room around the edge

Presbyterian struck again in the first quarter as the Bobcats produced a 6 play, 64 yard drive that was capped on a 33 yard fake reverse scamper from senior tailback Stephen Jones at the 1:12 mark of the quarter. Waites added the PAT to increase the margin to 14-0.

Presbyterian threatened again late in the second quarter but failed to convert on a 24 yard field goal attempt and the half would close out with the Bobcats holding a 14-0 advantage.

Parklane seemed to have garnered some much needed momentum early in the third quarter when a Zack McDaniel punt made contact with the helmet of a Presbyterian player and the Pioneers recovered at their own 40 yard line.

That momentum quickly vanished as a Parklane fumble on a second and 8 was recovered by defensive back Chris Addison at the Pioneer 48 yard line.

Presbyterian would capitalize on the Parklane miscue as tailbacks Fate Eiland and Lee Sigrest began finding holes in the Pioneer defense. Eiland, a sophomore, would go down with a knee injury on a 7 yard gain to the Parklane 27 yard line with just over eight minutes left in the quarter but fellow tailback Sigrest picked up the slack as the junior carried three consecutive times, the last a 3 yard burst into the end-zone with 7:13 left in the quarter.

(Above) Parklane tailback Taylor Burt (#34) gets corralled by a stingy Bobcat defense

Troy Waites added the PAT to push the lead to 21-0 and it looked like Presbyterian was well on their way to cruising to their seventh win of the season but the tide and flow of the contest was about to take a drastic change.

With 3:10 left in the third quarter Presbyterian would turn the football over when a mishandled snap was recovered by Parklane linebacker Dylan Barnes at the Bobcat 20 yard line.

Parklane wasted little time in cashing in on the Bobcat turnover as junior quarterback Brady Lea connected with tight-end Dan Gill for a 20 yard touchdown six seconds after the turnover occurred. Zack McDaniel added the PAT and the Pioneers had trimmed the deficit to 21-7.

Presbyterian appeared little fazed as the Bobcats promptly put up a 45 yard scoring drive that took just five plays and was culminated when Daniel Patterson scrambled and while avoiding a near sack got off a 5 yard touchdown pass to tailback Micah Griffin in the end-zone with 50 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Waites’ PAT increased the Bobcat lead back to three touchdowns at 28-7.

On Presbyterian’s first offensive possession of the fourth quarter Parklane recovered a Bobcat fumble at the Presbyterian 22 yard line and as the Pioneers did previously, they wasted little time in cashing in.

Parklane tailback Joseph Clark rumbled 22 yards around the left side and Zack McDaniel added the PAT to cut the deficit in half at 28-14 with 9:11 left in regulation.

(Above) Parklane quarterback Brady Lea (#7) spots an open receiver

Parklane was the recipient of another Bobcat fumble less than one minute later as defensive lineman James Michael Schmidt recovered a loose football at the Pioneer 47 yard line with 8:20 remaining.

Following a Brady Lea pass completion to the Bobcat 40 yard line the Parklane offense found itself retreating as a 15 yard personal foul spot infraction put the Pioneers in a second and 36 from their own 34 yard line but Lea hooked up with Dan Gill for a 42 yard pass and catch down to the Bobcat 24 yard line.

Lea then connected with Cody Harvey for a short gain to the 22 yard line and Brady Lea capped the drive with three consecutive keepers, the last from one yard out. McDaniel’s PAT pulled Parklane to within a touchdown at 28-21 with 4:35 remaining.

If Presbyterian thought it couldn’t have gotten any worse it did, rapidly.

On the Bobcat’s first play after the Parklane score Presbyterian laid the football down on the turf again. Parklane linebacker Seth Travis recovered this fumble at the Bobcat 32 yard line with 4:24 still remaining in regulation.

The Pioneers moved to the Presbyterian 5 yard line in six plays but a critical block in the back call pushed Parklane back to the Bobcat 19 yard line and that was followed by a huge sack on Lea by Presbyterian linebacker Micah Griffin for a loss of 11 yards back at the Bobcat 30 yard line with 1:15 remaining.

With Parklane facing a third and 30 Brady Lea’s pass was intercepted by defensive back Stephen Jones at the Presbyterian 3 yard line to lock down a 28-21 win for the Bobcats.

“This was such a huge win for us,” said Presbyterian senior quarterback Daniel Patterson (Photo left). “We want to go back to the playoffs for the third straight year and we knew coming in how important this game was. We got a little sloppy in the second half tonight but I think it will serve as a wake up call for us. As a senior the past three seasons have been incredible and it’s a great feeling to know that this senior class was a big part of helping to build a successful football program here at Presbyterian.”

Patterson finished the night going 4/6 passing for 81 yards and two touchdowns.

Sophomore tailback Fate Eiland led the Presbyterian ground attack with 80 yards on 12 carries before going down with a second half knee injury. Junior tailback Lee Sigrest added 76 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown and Stephen Jones rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown on 7 carries.

Joseph Clark picked up 102 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown for Parklane while Brady Lea totaled 162 passing yards and a touchdown and 53 yards on the ground and a score.

Parklane tight end Dan Gill had 4 receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown.

Presbyterian improves to 7-2 overall but more importantly 4-1 in division play while Parklane slips to 7-2 and 3-1.

Presbyterian will travel to Oak Forest and Starkville to close out and Parklane will host Copiah and Jackson Prep to finish out the regular season.

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Post Game with Presbyterian Head Coach Joey Hawkins