BY THE NUMBERS

36

Number of first downs by the teams.

372

Points allowed by West Point this season.

4

Wins West Point needs to capture the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A state championship.

KEY PLAY

Friday’s key play came during the second drive of the game for the West Point offense. Already leading 7-0, West Point was at midfield and looking to hit a deep ball. Quarterback Josh Ewing did just that, hitting Ronald Carter in stride for a 41-yard pass pick-up. One play later, a touchdown by Aeris Williams gave West Point a 14-0 lead and the rout was on.

“We were wanting a fast start,” West Point coach Chris Chambless said. “It seems like we have been struggling to put together things early. We wanted to start fast and finish fast. For the most part, we were able to do just that.”

KEY DRIVE

The key drive took place midway through the second quarter. West Point was protecting a 14-0 lead when the Green Wave blocked a field goal after Lewisburg’s best first-half possession. After the block, West Point moved 74 yards on seven plays. In a drive which lasted 3 minutes, 24 seconds, Josh Ewing scored on a 7-yard quarterback keeper for a 21-0 lead.

“The offensive line has done a great job throughout the whole season.” Ewing said. “It took some of us to get a little more comfortable in what we were doing. Once everybody settled down and learned how to not get down after mistakes, we became a complete offense.”

UNSUNG HEROES

For West Point, the unsung heroes have been many during a five-game win streak to complete MHSAA Class 5A, Region 1 play. Ewing and Dason Thomas each bring something different to the table and make the two-quarterback system work for the Green Wave. Carter had two catches for 46 yards and was a key to the team’s passing game. On special teams, senior defensive back Dvanta Randle had the critical field goal block, helping keep the momentum on the side of the home team.

“We are excited about being back in the playoffs,” Randle said. “We had been working on the kick block so it was exciting to get one. If you can’t make a play or two like that in the playoffs, it can be the difference in winning and losing.”

TURNING POINT

This game’s turning point took place during a quickly-played second quarter. West Point had four possessions in the quarter and scored a touchdown during each. Interceptions by West Point’s Davion Bradshaw and Lavaris Gunn took place during that quarter. West Point scored a touchdown after each takeaway and quickly built a 41-7 halftime lead.

“We have played well on defense at times,” Chambless said. “What we have been wanting or some more really game-changing plays. Hopefully, those interceptions are a sign of things to come.”

DIFFERENCE-MAKERS

Thursday night’s biggest difference maker just played his final regular season game for West Point. Senior Aeris Williams put together his first 100-yard rushing and 100-yard receiving game in the win and also topped the 2,000-yard rushing mark for the season.

“He can change a game in so many different ways,” Chambless said. “When he is involved in both aspects of the offense, he is a special player indeed.”

— Scott Walters

Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.