While there are 65 Thursday games around the state this week, only two involve area teams. But both of them will decide playoff seedings, with Caledonia and Shannon battling for second place in Class 4A, Region 1 in Shannon and Noxubee County and Aberdeed doing the same in Class 3A, Region 4 in Macon.
Caledonia (7-2, 3-1 4A-1) at Shannon (4-5, 3-1 4A-1): Let’s be blunt about something: These teams are in a weak region. Caledonia’s first loss came last week to Itawamba Agricultural, the top team in 4A-1, and this week they get a Red Raiders team tied with them in the region standings. The other three teams — Corinth, Mooreville and Tishomingo County — are a combined 5-22 overall, and three of those wins belong to Mooreville.
But the winner here is No. 2 in 4A-1 and will get a first-round home playoff game against Louisville or Kosciusko. The loser will travel to Louisville or Kosciusko.
The Cavaliers have scored roughly 100 more points than the Red Raiders this season, but of late Shannon has been on a roll, scoring 50, 48 and 58 points in its three district wins. But again, three bad defenses and two bad teams; Caledonia scored 49, 49 and 61 against the same opponents.
Perhaps a better gauge is that Caledonia was far more competitive against Itawamba: the Cavs lost 28-14 while Shannon was routed 55-8. On top of that, the Red Raiders’ only nonconference win came by two points against 2-6 Calhoun City, while Caledonia has beaten decent 3A teams in Amory (5-3) and Aberdeen (5-3) by double digits.
Aberdeen (5-3, 2-1 3A-4) at Noxubee County (5-3, 2-1 3A-4): Since a 28-0 loss to region champ Amory, the Bulldogs have won three consecutive games. The Bulldogs have scored progressively more points in each, beating Nettleton (28-17), East Webster (33-16) and Hatley (51-0).
None of that should bother the Tigers, who were competitive against Amory (a 34-22 loss), crushed Hatley (52-0) four weeks ago and rolled past Nettleton (46-24) last week.
Sophomore Martavius Wicks leads Noxubee County in rushing with 607 yards, and the team as a whole is averaging 9.1 yards per carry. The passing game has been inconsistent, partly because of injuries, but when it connects the Tigers are averaging 15 yards per catch as a team. Last week, for example, junior Lamar Stewart was at quarterback and completed only 5 of 14 passes, but those five completions went for 96 yards and a touchdown. Stewart was terrific running the ball, with 161 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries.
Chaunssey Triplett (12), Kyrin Olver (11) and Ramoan Jackson (10) led a very active defense in tackles against Nettelton, which managed just 4.1 yards per carry to Noxubee’s 11.5.
Much like Caledonia, the numbers would suggest Noxubee County has a strong chance at gaining the No. 2 seed out of 3A-4. The winner of this game likely will host the winner of tonight’s game between Mantachie and Booneville, while the loser will travel to Water Valley in the opening round of the Class 3A playoffs.
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