WEST POINT– The West Point Green Wave showcased dominance on Friday night, steamrolling Yazoo City, 41-0, in the opening round of the MHSAA 5A playoffs.
West Point opened the game with a squib kick return, setting up their offense at Yazoo City’s 45-yard line. After a few short gains, quarterback Colt Whitacre aired it out on third down, only to see his pass intercepted by the Indians. However, a defensive pass interference penalty gave the Green Wave a second chance, which they capitalized on with a 14-yard pass touchdown on a fake handoff to take an early lead.
On Yazoo City’s first possession, penalties plagued the Indians. A holding call and a delay of game halted their momentum, and though they managed a fourth-down conversion on a fake handoff pass, the Green Wave defense held firm on the next set of downs, forcing a turnover on downs at the 40-yard line. On the next play, West Point quarterback Jaylan Hall connected with wide receiver Quentin Thompson for a 60-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0.
The Green Wave kept up the pressure, recovering a fumble on the Indians’ kickoff return. Five plays later, they found the endzone again, finishing the first quarter with a commanding 21-0 lead.
“It was a good game,” West Point head coach Brett Morgan said. “It was the most dominant win we have had. We played well in all three phases. It was a good team win.”
The second quarter began much the same, with West Point’s defense stifling Yazoo City. After a short punt gave the Green Wave possession at the Indians’ 47-yard line, West Point marched downfield in eight plays with running back Cam Randle capped the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, though a missed extra point by kicker Jack Taylor left the score at 27-0.
Yazoo City showed flashes of life late in the half. A 27-yard run by running back Desmond Johnson and a 42-yard scramble by athlete Marquez Green brought the Indians to the Green Wave 23-yard line. However, a desperate throw from Green was intercepted by West Point defensive back Kassvion Shelton, stomping out the Indians’ hopes.
Whitacre was intercepted by Yazoo City on the last play of the half, sending the teams into their respective locker rooms.
The second half was more of the same as West Point continued to dominate. After forcing a punt on Yazoo City’s opening drive, the Green Wave added another touchdown when running back Shermane Clark powered into the end zone from 22 yards out. A successful two-point conversion extended the lead to 35-0.
The Green Wave’s defense kept the pressure on, forcing another fumble on Yazoo City’s next possession to end the 3rd quarter.
WIth about 4 minutes left in the 4th quarter, Randle added more to the score with a 10-yard touchdown run, though the failed two-point conversion left the score at 41-0.Yazoo City’s offense struggled to find any rhythm late in the game, repeatedly hurt by penalties and miscues. After a botched snap on their final drive, the Indians battled to the last down as an incomplete pass to the end zone from the West Point 20-yard line would end the game.
Looking ahead, Coach Morgan emphasized the importance of preparation as the Green Wave advanced to the next round of the playoffs.
“We have to have a good week of prep,” Morgan said. “At this point, it is just survive. We have to have a good week of prep so we can come out and be our best over whoever we play next week.”
West Point now sets its sights on their next playoff opponent, Holmes County Central, as they continue their pursuit of their 13th state championship.
West Point 41, Yazoo City 0
West Point (8-3): 21 6 8 6 — 41
Yazoo City (4-7): 0 0 0 0 — 0
First Quarter
WP — Whitacre 14-yard pass (PAT good)
WP — Hall 60-yard pass to Thompson (PAT good)
WP — Ramble 10-yard run (PAT good)
Second Quarter
WP — Randle 2-yard run (PAT missed)
Third Quarter
WP — Clark 22-yard run (2-pt conversion good)
Fourth Quarter
WP — Ramble 10-yard run (2-pt conversion failed)
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