Heritage Academy football coach Lance Pogue uttered three key words during Friday night’s home game against Washington School.
“Preparation is key.”
The Patriots looked as prepared as ever not only to face the Generals but the weather as well, marching through the driving rain and across the muddy grass.
It was little issue in a 39-6 win for Heritage Academy (3-1) over Washington (1-3) at C.L. Mitchell Field in Columbus.
After Washington fumbled the ball on a punt return in its own territory, Jay Stevenson jump-started the Patriots’ offense in the second quarter, punching in a 3-yard touchdown to put Heritage up 16-0.
It was a surge of energy for the Patriots and would also influence their defense, which caused a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Trey Naugher.
Running back Luke Fisher quickly rushed for another touchdown, and Naugher converted the two-point try.
Quarterback Jack Ketchum connected with Naugher on a 30-yard passing score, and Stevenson ran for a 35-yard touchdown before the end of the half.
Meanwhile, Heritage Academy stopped Washington on possession after possession. Even the Patriots’ second-string defense, which took the field for the second half, found success.
Throughout the first quarter, Washington tried desperately to get some form of offense started, only being able to record seven rushing yards. The Patriots’ defensive line and secondary shut down any form of positive yardage, causing three incomplete passes and a tackle for loss.
The Generals’ only score came on a 6-yard run by Ty Signa with 46 seconds left in the game.
Ketchum opened the scoring with a 22-yard touchdown toss to Cameron Kidd in the first quarter as the Patriots struck in the first five minutes.
Washington will try to bounce back against Indianola Academy, while Heritage Academy will turn its focus to a rivalry matchup with Starkville Academy.
Heritage Academy 39, Washington School 6
Washington School (1-3) 0 0 0 6 — 6
Heritage Academy (3-1) 8 31 0 0 — 39
First quarter
HA — Jack Ketchum 22 pass to Cameron Kidd (Jay Stevenson run), clock 7:32
Second quarter
HA — Stevenson 3 run (Ketchum run), clock 8:22
HA — Luke Fisher 5 run (Trey Naugher run), clock 7:02
HA — Ketchum 30 pass to Naugher (Naugher run), clock 6:15
HA — Stevenson 35 run (Fisher kick), clock 5:36
Fourth quarter
W — Ty Signa 6 run (kick failed), clock 0:46
Theo DeRosa reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @Theo_DeRosa.
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 31 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 31 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Join the Discussion