Columbus High School football coach Randal Montgomery hasn’t been critical of his offensive line.
Instead, the veteran coach has used praise and motivation to help an inexperienced group mold into a cohesive unit.
After two tough starts to the season, things turned for the better last week when Columbus rushed for 350 yards in a 49-21 victory against New Hope.
The Columbus offensive line and powerful rushing game will look to duplicate that feat at 7 tonight when West Point visits Falcon Field.
“There is no doubt we took some major steps forward against New Hope,” Montgomery said. “Now, you to need to find out if you can build on that. We feel like we have a chance to be a complete team. The execution against New Hope should give the kids confidence about what can be accomplished.”
Columbus’ offense had 30 rushing plays of 2 yards or less in a victory against Kemper County and a loss to Noxubee County. In addition, penalties and bad snaps plagued the team.
The penalty numbers have decreased each game, while the turnover number continues to be strong. Columbus (2-1) only had one giveaway against New Hope.
“I think the offense can be really excited (about the victory against New Hope),” Columbus senior wide receiver Micheal McCloud said. “The offensive line had its best game of the year, and that really opened up both the passing game and the rushing game.”
Leading rusher Kylin Hill was held out of the New Hope game for what Montgomery called “a minor injury.” Hill tweeted Thursday night he would play against West Point and that he planned not to miss any more games this season.
In Hill’s absence, senior running back Kendre Conner and senior quarterback C.J. Gholar both topped the 100-yard rushing mark. It was the first two 100-yard rushing games this season. The Falcons had 12 of those a season ago.
“The offensive line was really great,” Gholar said. “We have played hard all season, but the challenge here lately has been being more consistent. We have to keep things going for four quarters, and that is why the win over New Hope made us feel good.”
A year ago, Hill was held his lowest rushing total of the season in a 13-3 loss to West Point. The Green Wave offensive line set the tone and controlled the line of scrimmage.
“It will be a huge challenge,” Montgomery said. “There is no secret West Point plans to run the ball with authority. It is what they do. It’s another chance for both of our lines to grow up a little more.”
West Point (1-1) also will look for answers on offense. It is coming off a 28-6 loss at Starkville. In the season opener, West Point needed a strong fourth quarter to pull away for a 33-13 victory against Louisville in West Point.
The victory against New Hope returned Columbus to The Clarion-Ledger Super 10 after a one-week absence. West Point fell from No. 5 to No. 6, while Columbus re-entered the poll at No. 9.
To remain in the rankings, Columbus might need its most complete game of the season. The Columbus offensive line of Jarius Ross, Denzel Beckwith, Leo Dismukes, Laquinston Sharp,m and Eric Sherrod are all seniors. However, this is the unit’s first year together.
“We just have to get better each week,” Montgomery said. “That is something we did very well last year. Each week you start over 0-0. With an open date next week, this is a huge chance to go into (Class 6A, Region 1) play with a lot of momentum.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
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 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
