OLIVE BRANCH – Columbus High School football coach Randal Montgomery feels like his offense ranks as one of the best in Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A.
The scary part is the offense keeps getting new contributors and keeps getting better.
Junior Patrick Jackson played a big role in the running game and passing game Friday night as Columbus knocked off Olive Branch 48-35 in a Class 6A, Region 2 contest played at Pool Field.
“The offense is working really well right now,” Jackson said. “On offense, we have a lot of weapons. If we execute, we feel like there isn’t anybody who can stop us. It doesn’t matter who gets the carry or who catches the pass, we have guys who can make really big plays.”
Columbus won back-to-back games for the first time this season, while improving to 5-4 overall and 3-2 in region play. With Hernando knocking off Horn Lake, the door is open again for the Falcons to potentially finish second in the region, thus earning a first-round playoff game at home for a second straight season.
“The must-win part of our season really started last week,” Montgomery said. “When you are 1-2 in the region, you are in a hole. We challenged the guys to work out of it. You don’t necessarily have to win the last four. You need to play like you need to win the last four. We started with that elimination mind-set.”
Columbus will now close the regular season by playing host to South Panola and Hernando. Victories in each of those two games, coupled with Tupelo beating Horn Lake, would allow Columbus to finish the second seed in the region. A year ago, the Falcons won six of seven region games to finish second.
This season, the challenge has been far more daunting. Columbus has struggled on defense, so the offense has had to set the tone. The Falcons have scored 27 or more points in all five region games. Columbus has topped 40 points four time this season.
“You aren’t going to reinvent who you are this late in the season,” Montgomery said. “We simply have to outscore people. We know that going into the stadium. With that being said, our offense is playing really well right now. I put them up against anybody in the state.”
That is why players like Jackson are critical for the Falcons. Both senior marquee backs Kendre Conner and Kylin Hill have missed stretches of playing time. Each will be vital for the Falcons to make any type of run. When you can turn to the 5-foot-9, 195-pound Jackson, to provide a spark, it helps everybody.
“Patrick has a great personality,” Conner said. “He provides so much when he is in the game. He is going to go hard every play. It helps us when one of us can’t finish the game. He comes in and gives us a spark.”
Montgomery said Jackson had to learn how to become more aggressive and how to play with more confidence. Once those two things were achieved, the workload has increased and the results have been pleasing.
“He maximizes every touch he gets,” Montgomery said. “That is what gives him a chance to become a special player.”
Kylin Hill again carried the load Friday night. Hill ran 21 times for 220 yards with two touchdowns. The Mississippi State commitment has now topped 200 yards in three of five region games. The two touchdowns give him 16 rushing scores for the season.
The Falcons finished with five rushing scores and garnered 357 yards as a team on the ground. Conner, Jackson and Gholar each found the end zone. In the air, Gholar was 8-of-11 for 182 yards, with touchdowns to Amos Mayfield and Michael McCloud.
“The big thing is the diversity,” Gholar said. “We are getting a lot of people involved in offense right now.”
Despite all the gaudy numbers, Columbus had to work hard to improve to 4-1 in road games this season. The Falcons did not lead until 19-14 late in the first half on a 16-yard run by Hill.
Columbus made it three straight scores when Gholar capped a 65-yard, 4-play drive by going in from a yard out to start the second half. Hill had a big 55-yard run on the drive.
Still, separation was not to be found.
Behind career nights from A’Pael Garnier and Jaylon Gale, Olive Branch (0-9, 0-5) kept battling. Garnier ran for 139 yards and three scores, while Gale had seven receptions for 204 yards and two touchdowns.
“We just have stretches where it is not good on defense,” Montgomery said. “We have some talented kids and they are fighting hard. It’s just not consistent. The big play has hurt us.”
While the defense sorts itself out, the offense will continue to make big play of its own. Jackson had 40 rushing yards and 43 receiving yards. He broke two tackles on the way to a 25-yard touchdown run, helping change the game early in the second quarter.
Next season, more of that will be expected.
“I am really happy that the coaches have this kind of confidence in me,” Jackson said. “I know next year will be my big year and I just have to step up. Nights like tonight give me more confidence that I can make that happen.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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