The Columbus High School football team will have to wait at least one more week to return to the win column.
A sterling defensive effort wasn’t enough as Jaquerrious Williams broke two long runs to lead the Tupelo High School football team to a 14-0 victory in a Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A, Region 1 game Friday night at Falcon Field.
“Just have to finish,” Columbus first-year head coach Eric Rice said. “There are three phases to the game — offense, defense, and special teams. We played well enough in two of those phases to win the game. The kids are hurting because they see the strides we have made.
“Simply have to finish. When you have a chance to score and tie the game you have to make the plays to do just that.”
Tupelo (5-1, 2-0) has been working with a makeshift lineup through most of the season due to injuries. Still, the team keeps following the same script and more often than not, wins.
The Golden Wave counted on Williams and David Hayes, excellent offensive line blocking, and strong enough special teams play and defensive play to stay undefeated in the region.
Williams (24 carries, 221 yards) had a 24-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and a 53-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. All but one snap in the second half came out of the wildcat formation. Hayes added 13 rushes for 38 yards.
The effort continued a theme from the last three Columbus games that has seen one player have a significant role in a victory against the Falcons (0-6, 0-2).
The defeat stretched Columbus’ losing streak to 12 games dating back to last season.
“The kids know how far we have come,” Rice said. “With the exception of one week this is a team that has gotten better each week. They come out each Monday and ready to practice. The losing is frustrating, but it is not getting them down. Our margin for error is small. We just have to find a way to learn how to win again.
“The record does not indicate a football team that is playing much better. As coaches, we see the effort. We know the strides.”
The game swung on one possession late in the third quarter.
In easily their best drive of the night, the Falcons moved from their 40-yard line to the Golden Wave 15. Columbus earned 40 of its 144 yards on the possession.
After converting a fourth-and-2 at the Tupelo 17, the crowd was engaged for the first time in a long time as the clock moved inside 10 minutes to play in the fourth quarter.
Columbus quarterback Jaelan Craddieth then suffered the only turnover for either team when his pass was deflected and intercepted in the end zone. Columbus receiver Jervorius Vance and two defenders touched the ball before Jaycob Horn hauled it in.
Tupelo then drove 97 yards on six plays. Williams broke two tackles around right end for his 53-yard scoring jaunt.
The final blow put an end to a defensive effort led by Dontae Gillespie, Quin Malone, Mario Martin, Titus Kirk, and Cody Sanders.
“Credit to my defensive coordinator Mike Mahoney and the other defensive coaches,” Rice said. “They put together an outstanding defensive game plan. Our kids executed it to near perfection. Last week (a 49-14 loss at DeSoto Central) was a step back on defense. In this game, we played much better. The defense gave us a chance, but it goes back to finishing. We just needed one more big play there in the end zone.”
Columbus received a lift from senior running back Derrick Jordan, who returned after he injured his ankle in the first series against Vicksburg two weeks ago. Devarkas Ramsey (19 carries, 84 yards) led the Falcons in rushing for a third-straight week.
“Five region games remaining,” Rice said. “We have asked our kids to continue to give us great effort. It’s been a resilient bunch. They don’t get down easily. We are going to keep working until we break through and get some wins.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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