There is a time when Columbus High School defensive end Josh Gray gets excited.
When Gray sees a clear path to the quarterback and feels a tackle for loss in his sights, his motor runs at a higher level.
“When you get in the backfield and disrupt a play, it’s the best feeling in the world,” Gray said. “You know you are doing your part if you are rushing the passer, affecting throws, getting sacks, anything to disrupt a rhythm. You don’t want the other team to play with confidence.”
Gray and his defensive teammates will look to disrupt things at 7 tonight when Columbus (2-6, 1-3 Class 6A, Region 1) plays host to Oxford (6-3, 2-2) at Falcon Field. A 14-member senior class will be honored in ceremonies before the final home game of the season.
In the process, Columbus’ defense will try to help the team break a three-game winning streak and stay alive in the hunt for a Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A playoff berth.
Five of Columbus High’s seniors start on defense. They have been called on to play a bigger role on a young team.
“From a leadership standpoint, it has been a challenge,” Gray said. “We have had a lot of guys playing varsity ball of the first time. It is in adjustment period. The seniors have done the best job they can leading this season. You can’t get down. You have to keep working. We haven’t had a lot of adversity the last couple of years, but this year has been a challenge.
“We are used to winning so we know we are doing the right thing. We just have to keep doing those things.”
Columbus will have to win its final three games to reach the playoffs for a third-straight season. Columbus will conclude the regular season with games at South Panola and at Hernando.
A year ago, Columbus beat Hernando in the final game of the regular season to earn a playoff berth. This season’s potential run to the postseason would be far more dramatic.
Columbus scored 60 points against Hernando last season. This season, Columbus has scored 107.
“We have to be a little better across the board,” Gray said. “When the offense isn’t scoring, it’s on the defense to get some turnovers to make things easier. We have not been as good at forcing turnovers as we need to be. We have also given up too many third down plays.”
Columbus most likely will be without junior quarterback Laterius Stowers tonight. Stowers missed the first two games of the three-game losing streak. He played the first half and the first possession of the second half last week in a 44-14 loss at Southaven before re-injuring his shoulder.
In the last three games, Columbus has been held to 106 or fewer yards. That has put an added burden on the defense. The Falcons have played well up front, but they have been hurt by long pass plays, especially in second- and third-and-long situations.
“We have played hard the entire season,” Gray said. “We have a lot of confidence. It just has been hard to get things going in the right direction and to keep them there.”
For defensive standouts Gray, Devon King, Isaiah Karriem, Jordan Randle, and Montrez Williams, a final game at Falcon Field will have special meaning. Playoff ramifications aside, this senior class played alongside Kylin Hill for a couple of seasons and helped change the culture of the program.
“There are so many memories,” Gray said. “Playing football here has made me a better person. I think all of the seniors are excited about (potentially playing college ball). We are also excited about playing together for as long as we can. We aren’t going to go down without a fight.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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