West Point High School returned to its football comfort zone this week with a return to play inside Class 5A, Region 1.
In a region the Green Wave has dominated, West Point (3-2, 1-0) began another region schedule on a positive note with Friday night’s 23-17 home win over Lake Cormorant.
West Point now looks for a 2-0 start in region play with Friday night’s road trip to Hernando.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
“We were able to win a close game and that shows our growth as a football team,” West Point coach Chris Chambless said. “Now, we have to take those lessons on the road with us and build on it.”
The Green Wave has played a litany of close games this season. Four games have been decided by a touchdown or less — wins over Columbus (26-19) and Lake Cormorant, as well as losses to South Panola (12-10) and Noxubee County (6-0).
“We are leaning from these experiences,” Chambless said. “They are making us better as a team.”
Against Lake Cormorant, the Green Wave rallied from a 10-7 second-quarter deficit and later broke a 17-17 fourth-quarter tie.
The Green Wave ran for 203 yards, including 152 yards and two touchdowns by Aeris Williams.
Hernando (2-3, 0-1) lost 14-7 at Clarksdale in its region opener Friday night.
Kemper Academy (4-2)
at Hebron Christian (6-0)
Hebron Christian faces one of its toughest tasks of the year when Kemper County comes to town.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Pheba.
“Coach (Pete) McCleskey has been there a long time,” Hebron coach David Foster said. “They will be very physical and they will know how to play the game. It may be the biggest challenge we have faced this season.”
Hebron Christian moved to 6-0 with a 30-0 win over Central Academy Friday night.
In an effort to get extended playing time for some younger players, the Eagles played no seniors.
“It was a chance to really look at our team for next season,” Foster said. “I thought defensively, we played very well. Offensively, we did some things right and got some good experience.”
Kemper Academy dropped a 40-30 decision to Delta Academy Friday night. The Rams opened with three straight wins before dropping two of the last three.
Meanwhile, the Eagles look to keep the momentum going. Hebron Christian posted the season’s first shutout Friday night and is allowing less than 12 points per game.
“We are 6-0,” Foster said. “I am super proud of these kids. We just have to keep it rolling.”
Kemper Academy won last season’s meeting, 28-26.
Oak Hill Academy (3-3, 1-2)
at Leake Academy (3-3, 1-0)
Oak Hill Academy faces a critical contest in the MAIS Class 2A, District 2 race Friday night.
The Raiders are back on the road taking on district rival Leake Academy.
Kickoff is 7 p.m. in Madden.
The Raiders dropped a 48-15 district decision to Canton Academy. While that loss will hamper the Raiders chances to win the district, playoff hopes still remain alive.
“We did a lot of things well but we made way too many turnovers,” Oak Hill Academy coach Daniel Merchant said. “We had seven lost fumbles. You can’t do that and beat a good team. Canton Academy was the best team we have faced this year. So that makes things rough for us.”
The Raiders ran for 202 yards in the contest. Samuel Harrell ran 11 times for 89 yards, with three kickoff returns of more than 90 yards. Drake Riley rushed for 74 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Connor Baird threw a touchdown pass to Jacob Dickens.
Leake Academy has only played one district game — a 50-12 win over Immanuel Christian. The Rebels lost 48-14 to Lamar School Friday night.
“If I have learned one thing about my team, they are resilient,” Merchant said. “They have had no trouble putting tough losses behind them and getting ready for a new week.”
Leake Academy won last season’s meeting, 35-6.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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