STARKVILLE — In the Golden Triangle, the preseason hype for the return of football is usually exceeded. Apart from bragging rights, nothing is ever decided in August and September games, but in this part of the state, early games are always a preview of what’s in store for November and December.
Starkville and West Point’s local rivalry was renewed on Friday, with the Jackets taking a 33-26 victory in a game that showcased the high level of play and coaching that keeps those programs fighting among the best in Mississippi each year.
In a way, it was fitting that the game was ultimately decided in the chaos rather than one offense pulling away from the other, with defensive back Davarrious Hairiston snagging a tipped pass and taking it 99 yards to the house in the final seconds. The slimmest of margins separated two teams that played for state championships a year ago and have early hopes of doing so again this December.
“We just played against a really good football team,” Jackets head coach Chris Jones said after the game. “Hats off to them, I hope they have a good season and get a chance to play in December. I’m always rooting for this area. Anytime we’re not playing them there’s always room for them. I’m proud of my guys and they played hard.”
The Jackets team features several new starters who have played a role in past seasons but have now made the positions their own in what looks to be another prolific offense.
Quarterback Jaylen Ruffin had another good game at the helm of an offense that started rolling on the ground in the second quarter.
“I thought we did well,” Jones said of the offense. “We had some lulls, but all in all Ruffin had a good game, Jenkins did well, (the) offensive line did well. It’s all about getting better and we’ll get better, that’s why we play these kinds of teams. Sometimes they really hit you in the mouth, but we bounced back. I’m proud of my guys.”
West Point are in a similar position, with Shamane Clark, Cam Randle and Quintin Thompson leading the way, following in the footsteps of the championship-winning offense led by Kahnen Daniels and Quinterrion Tillman-Evans last year.
The Green Wave is adding in additional packages with quarterback Colt Whitacre, often looking for Justin White, a 6-foot-3 wide receiver who has bossed defensive backs in both games this season. They combined for a touchdown to get the Green Wave back in the game late in the third quarter, and again to set up their final touchdown of the night.
“He’s tough as nails, man,” Green Wave head coach Brett Morgan said of Whitacre. “We didn’t have that personnel package last week and that hurt us. Justin White, he’s a player who is a handful. He’s hard to defend, hard to deal with and so we’re going to look a little different.”
Despite the quality of both teams, it’s West Point who are still looking for a win. The schedule doesn’t get any easier in Week 3 though. Morgan’s group works hard and can never be counted out, but they know they have to start winning to prove themselves.
“We have to keep getting better with Noxubee coming next week, and them rascals are good too,” he said. “They’ll probably be in the 3A championship again, so it’s just time to go back to work.”
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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 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
