The East Oktibbeha County and West Oktibbeha County high school football teams play games Friday that won”t affect their postseason chances.
Even though region play is still a few weeks away, one can”t underestimate the importance for both programs to start the season 2-0. They can achieve that mark when East Oktibbeha plays host to McAdams and West Oktibbeha plays host Montgomery County. Each game starts at 7:30 p.m.
West Oktibbeha coach Adam Lowrey was extremely pleased with his squad”s season-opening 44-36 victory against University Christian.
“In the second half, we really wore them down,” Lowrey said. “We pretty much were able to do what we wanted to do there in the second half. We had some cramps and some guys go down, but, for the most part, I thought our conditioning was very good. That was the difference in the ballgame.”
The teams were tied at 14 at halftime. The Timberwolves found a second gear at halftime and erupted for 30 points thanks to four ball-control drives.
“When they had scoring drives, they were going two or three plays,” Lowrey said. “We were having nine or 10 play drives. That was the difference in the game. We were physically exhausted at halftime. The running game took over in the second half. We did a really good job of finishing drives.”
Shaun Fair paced the Timberwolves with 118 rushing yards on 15 carries. Tiberias Lampkin added 88 yards on 16 rushes. Dwight Quinn had 95 yards receiving and three touchdowns. Lowrey also was pleased with the play of quarterbacks Von Smith and Drake Powell.
Michael Grace had a standout game at defensive end and on the offensive line. Grace was the only player to play every snap of the game on both sides of the ball.
“Offensively, we had a good game for the opener,” Lowrey said. “The offensive line really did a great job of carrying us. They allowed us to really be productive in the running game in the second half.”
West Oktibbeha scored on the opening possession of the game and in the final minute of the first half. What happened in between concerned Lowrey because University Christian established control.
“We were just trying to hang on,” said Lowrey, whose team had 258 rushing yards. “We were very fortunate to be tied at halftime. They really took it to us there in the second quarter. But we kept shuffling players. We used two quarterbacks, while four players carried the ball. Once we got to halftime, it was a new ballgame.
“Our game shape was good. That is what allowed us to use so many players. I was really proud of the team effort. We asked a lot of some new guys and they really stepped up.”
Montgomery County lost to West Lowndes 40-28 on Friday. Lowrey expects Montgomery County to run early and often in the Week 2 showdown.
“They are going to run the ball right at us,” Lowrey said. “They will line up and try to run the ball between the tackles the entire game. It will be a big challenge for our defense. I think they will be ready. It would be very important for these kids to be able to start 2-0.”
West Oktibbeha last opened the season 2-0 in 2006.
East Oktibbeha also is preparing for an opponent that is coming off a strong offensive showing. McAdams opened its season with a 33-30 win against Williams-Sullivan, while, East Oktibbeha defeated Leake County 34-6.
“The kids are excited about winning the first game,” East Oktibbeha coach Randy Brooks said. “They came back out to practice Monday ready to work. We have never hosted a first-round playoff game in our program”s history. Even though this is not a region game, it would be huge for this team to be able to start with two straight wins.”
The Titans played a fundamentally sound game on both sides of the ball in their season opener. Brooks said special teams is his primary concern entering this week.
“We have worked on that area every day at practice this week,” Brooks said. “This whole week we have been trying to fine-tune various aspects of our game.”
Quarterback Devalyn Bell paced the offense, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for two more. Terrence Rice had two touchdown catches, while Kody Petty had the other.
“The offensive line played well,” Brooks said. “We have really challenged that group during the offseason. We believe we have some talent, but it is a matter of everybody playing together. For the most part, we didn”t have a lot of cramps or conditioning issues. We were able to keep a balance and stay on the attack offensively.”
Defensively, Brooks credited lineman Jalen Peterson and cornerback Arthur Gillespie for having standout games.
“We really had some young guys step up, too,” Brooks said. “Early in the year, you are trying to get a lot of players an opportunity to play. Our depth and speed really took over there late in the game. Defensively, we forced some turnovers and played solid.”
East Oktibbeha attacked through the air more than expected. The Titans ran less after struggling early to establish a ground game. Brooks expects both teams” running games will dictate the game.
“McAdams opened the season by putting 33 points on the board,” Brooks said. “That really has gotten our defenses” attention. You could tell they played with a lot of confidence. We have to tighten up and do some things better. If we continue to do that, we have a great chance to be successful.”
East Oktibbeha last started the season 2-0 in 2003. The Titans last made the playoffs in 2006.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.