COLUMBUS — Three Golden Triangle area teams are still alive in the hunt for a state championship. West Lowndes, Noxubee County and West Point are all looking to book their tickets to Hattiesburg next month as they travel for their respective Mississippi High School Activities Association state semifinal games.
West Lowndes will travel to face 12-1 Baldwyn for the Class 1A north championship on Friday.
The Panthers, 7-5, overcame a 2-5 start to play some terrific offensive football. They’ve posted 40 points or more in each of their last five games, but also have a lot to learn from earlier in the season.
“We are on a five-game winning streak,” Panthers head coach Anthony King said after a 46-12 win over Myrtle. “We get to go and try and make it six next week as we gear up to go play for a chance at (the state championship).”
To get a win the Panthers will have to continue scoring at a high rate.
The Bearcats have allowed just 20 points in three playoff games, and have won eight games this year by allowing just one score or less from their opponents.
The Panthers hosted Baldwyn in September, losing 42-16 to their Class 1A semifinal opponents in that meeting.
Noxubee County will travel for their Class 3A semifinal clash with undefeated Magee.
The Tigers, 10-2, have won nine straight games, scoring 40 or more points in six. Their signature win came against rivals Louisville, handing the Wildcats their first and only loss since 2022 and fueling a run to the semifinals for a third straight season.
“They’re a well-coached team with a lot of athletes,” Young said of Magee. “They do well defensively creating turnovers and they make big plays on offense.”
The Tigers are led by Mississippi State commit and Class 3A Mr. Football, KaMario Taylor, who has 50 total touchdowns this season with over 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing.
“The attitude is great, our guys know what’s at stake. We’ve been thinking about this since last season. We know we need to play our best game, and we’re one game away from where we want to be. The guys know what it takes, the seniors are leading and the young guys are playing great, so we’re in a good mindset going into this game.”
Finally, perennial contenders West Point will also play for a trip to Hattiesburg on Friday.
West Point came back to beat Homes County Central 31-28 last week, overcoming a 21-7 deficit to defend their 5A title for one more week.
“We’ve got to turn the page,” head coach Brett Morgan said. “That’s a remarkable win for our fans and our kids to experience, but 24-hour rule. You enjoy it or if you get beat you dwell on it, but then you turn the page. We have a big test on Friday and we’re on to Cleveland Central.”
The Wolves are 12-0 after a 27-26 overtime win against Canton in the last round of the playoffs, narrowly overcoming a prolific offense led by quarterback Eric Gilkey III and receiver Jayden Cration.
They’re averaging 33 points per game on offense and only giving up 13 points per game on defense and will be the Green Wave’s biggest test in their classification as they look to win a 13th championship.
“It’ll be the best team we’ve played,” Morgan said. “They’re finding ways to win, they’re a complete team with a really good defense. The best 5A offense and defense that we’ve seen.”
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.
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.
