West Point High School football coach Chris Chambless likes the balance of his team on offense.
The Green Wave has built a state-championship tradition in large part to excellent defense.
On offense, West Point has thrived in the running game. The line has blocked, runners have hit holes with precision and the clock is drained with lengthy scoring drives.
This season, West Point is running at will again, while mixing in a fair amount of passing.
Both will be needed when West Point (12-1) takes on Olive Branch (12-1) for the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A North State championship.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Hamblin Stadium in West Point.
“Offensively, we are doing a lot of good things right now,” Chambless said. “We have some diversity and some versatility. It starts on the ground, where we have several good options. The pass game has gotten more consistent in the second half of the season. To win at this stage, you have to be well-rounded.”
After Marcus Murphy and Chris Calvert dominated for three seasons, West Point has not had the marquee back this season.
Instead, 11 players have combined for 488 carries. As team, the Green Wave is rushing for 261.8 yards per game with 48 touchdowns.
Junior Brandon Harris has rushed for a team-high 872 yards with 16 touchdowns.
“Lot of confidence,” Harris said. “That’s the key to this team right now. Everybody is doing their assignment and we are having fun. It’s a close team. We want our own piece of history this season.”
Through the air, senior quarterback Jake Chambless has thrown for 1,019 yards and 11 touchdowns. Senior Shun Crawford has a team-high 23 receptions for 427 yards and six touchdowns.
“We have done a great job limiting turnovers this season,” Chris Chambless said. “We have been good at finishing drives. Those things are important. If you can limit your mistakes and play great defense, you will have a chance.”
A week ago, West Point beat Lafayette 27-20 in the second round. It was the Green Wave’s second hard-fought win over the Commodores this season.
The same refrain holds true for this week. Earlier this season, West Point scored twice in the final couple of minutes to take a 34-33 win at Olive Branch.
A year ago, West Point beat Olive Branch in the regular season and postseason.
“The win against them earlier this season lifted the confidence level of the entire team,” West Point senior Ryan Melton said. “We had to do everything just right to win the game. This team has been battling all season.”
West Point has forced 20 turnovers and is allowing 13.5 points per game.
“Just keep doing what we have been doing all season,” Chris Chambless said. “That has been the theme in practice.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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