MACON — Bouncing back from the loss last week in Starkville, the Louisville High School football team used a methodical and controlling performance to beat Noxubee County 42-6 on Friday night.
Quarterback Jace Hudspeth was on target early through the air for the Wildcats and led an offensive performance that saw his team control time of possession and set the tone for their win from the start.
Tigers head coach Teddy Young was straightforward when speaking after the loss, acknowledging the problems on offense as well as the learning opportunity going forward this season.
“We gotta learn from our mistakes,” Young said. “That’s a great program, a state championship program, but we just gotta get better. We gotta get better with blocking on the O-line and gotta make plays and make the right reads. I think it’ll get better with time; we just gotta start executing.”
The Tigers found themselves in position to score a couple of times, and there were times they could have gotten back in the game, but penalties, sacks and struggles in the passing game proved costly. They turned the ball over on downs a couple times near the red zone and simply couldn’t take the pressure off of their defense.
“We’re gonna watch the film and evaluate our guys,” Young said, “but if we don’t correct our mistakes it’s going to be a long season.”
A touchdown pass and run in the first quarter got things started for Hudspeth and the Wildcats, and the Tigers were unable to respond. Noxubee County quarterback Lamar Stewart was under constant pressure and was never able to find a rhythm. Early opportunities to keep pace with the efficient Wildcats offense fell short, and as a result the game spiraled out of the Tigers’ control.
The running game offered little relief for the Tigers through most of the contest, but their only score of the game came on a 55-yard run by running back Martavius Wicks during the third quarter. But a quick response from Louisville smothered any hopes of a second-half comeback.
The Wildcats were able to get their ground game going through back Emory James, who rushed for two touchdowns, including a 46-yarder in response to the Tigers’ score. The run was a backbreaker for the Tigers, and the Wildcats were in full control from then on.
The Wildcats (4-1) chewed up the clock for their final score, taking possession at the end of the third quarter and scoring with 5:14 left in the game.
The Tigers (2-2) will open MHSAA Class 3A, Region 4 play next week at Hatley.
Louisville 42, Noxubee County 6
Louisville (4-1) 14 7 14 7 — 42
Noxubee County (2-2) 0 0 6 0 — 6
First quarter
L — Swahili Earby 32 pass from Jace Hudspeth (kick good), 10:41
L — Hudspeth 1 run (kick good), 5:24
Second quarter
L — Emory James 1 run (kick good), 10:40
Third quarter
L — Hudspeth 4 run (kick good), 8:01
N — Martavious Wicks 55 run (run failed), 7:24
L — James 46 run (kick good), 4:58
Fourth quarter
L — Jarvis Rush 20 pass from Hudspeth (kick good), 5:14
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 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.