By By Jeff Byrd/The Meridian Star
Oct. 4, 2001
Fresh off a homecoming win over four-time state champion Magee, the Quitman Panthers seek to get two legs up in Region 5-4A play when they head to Soso to battle the West Jones Mustangs.
In knocking off Magee last week, Quitman not only snapped a two-game slide, but also moved to 1-0 in region play. They will take a 3-2 record to Soso to face the 2-3 Mustangs.
Magee came in averaging 40 points per game. They were held to just 14 points in the 20-14 decision.
The Panthers got a big game from free safety Marcus McCormick who helped break up several Magee passes inside the redzone. Also playing well were defensive tackle Dustin May, inside linebacker Vince Hinson, defensive tackle Darrius Blanks and end Fred Carter.
This week the Panthers will take on a West Jones club that is coming a huge last-play win at Northeast Lauderdale. Mustang quarterback Terry McCullum hit Joseph Dobbs on a 48-yard TD pass on the game's final play in the 9-8 win.
Quitman will try and counter on offense with the running tandem of Evans Pickens and Jeffrey Mays. Pickens ran for 70 yards on 15 carries against Magee while Mays had 68 yards.
Enterprise at Bay Springs
The Enterprise-Clarke Bulldogs open Region 7-2A play on Friday night against always tough Bay Springs.
Enterprise is coming off a disappointing 46-21 homecoming loss to Newton last week. The loss dropped the Bulldogs to 4-1 on the season.
Bay Springs is also 4-1 after blasting Raleigh 60-6 last week.
Bay Springs has been impressive in its first five games. They are outscoring opponents by a 37.4 to 5.3 count.
Enterprise is led by quarterback Don Moore and tailback Kelly Jimmerson. The defense is paced by Zack Swain and Colter Cannington. The pair combined for 25 tackles in the Newton game.
Heidelberg Academy at Sylvia Bay
The first big battle in the MPSA's District 3-Academy A race will be Friday night at Sylvia Bay when defending Class A champ Heidelberg visits.
Both teams come off big wins over the bottom tier teams in the district. Sylvia Bay blanked Macon Central 35-0 while Heidelberg knocked off Newton 50-0.
Sylvia-Bay is led by tailback Cody Phillips. Heidelberg pins its hopes behind quarterback Josh Webb, receiver Blake Bass and running back Heath Ainsworth.
Wayne Academy at Columbia
Wayne Academy steps out of District 3-Academy A action with a trip to AA Columbia. Wayne is 4-1 on the season following a 35-0 shutout of Kemper Academy last week.
Columbia is 1-4 on the season. Columbia fell to Wilkinson Christian last week 28-14.
Hancock at Wayne County
The ninth ranked Wayne County War Eagles seek to stay up top the Region 2-5A standings when they host Hancock on Friday.
The War Eagles opened region play last week by beating Meridian 14-3. The win improves Wayne County to 4-1 overall.
Hancock comes in with a similar record of 4-1 overall and 1-0 in the region. The Hawks defeated Petal 35-22 last week.
Wayne County is led by quarterback Akeem Lofton and tailback Michael McLaughin.