By By Jeff Byrd/The Meridian Star
Oct. 18, 2001
The Quitman Panthers begin the second half of its Region 5-4A slate with a full-game lead in first place. On Friday, the Panthers seek to stay in first place when they head to Northeast Jones for a critical region game.
Northeast Jones moved up to second place in the region following last week's 28-14 win at Northeast Lauderdale. The Tigers are 5-2 overall and 2-1 in the region.
The Tigers held Northeast Lauderdale to minus-10-yards rushing in last week's win. The defense also forced two turnovers to set up either a go-ahead touchdown or deny Northeast Lauderdale a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter.
Northeast Jones is led by senior tailback Daniel Rustin who has rushed for over 100 yards in all seven games. He was credited with 103 in the Northeast Lauderdale game. Larry Campbell is another potent runner for the Tigers.
Quitman, 6-1 overall and 3-0 in the region, is coming off its most impressive performance of the season after a 27-0 blanking of Florence last week.
The Panther defense made it pay off. Defensive end Fred Carter made 11 stops and kept pressure on the Florence quarterback. Inside linebacker Dominick Kelly also played well according to Faulkner.
The Panther offense got a lift from sophomore linemen Calvin Mosley. The reserve guard filled in for Dustin May who was played exclusively on defense.
Quarterback Prentiss Davis was six of 11 passing for 80 yards in the game. He also added 58 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Evans Pickett had 53 yards and one score.
Enterprise at Taylorsville
The Enterprise Bulldogs got back into the Region 5-2A race with a 30-7 win over Sumrall last week. The win improved the club to 5-2 overall and 1-1 in the region.
This week, the Bulldogs face long-time 2A power Taylorsville at the Tartars home field. Taylorsville is only 4-3 this season but they are 2-0 in the region.
Enterprise is led by tailback Kelly Jimmerson who rushed for 147 yards on 15 carries last week.
Linebacker Jeb Swain recovered two fumbles that helped set up two Bulldog touchdowns and then capped his night by returning an interception back for another touchdown. He also had six tackles. Cory Irby had another fumble recovery and Colter Cannington made six tackles to assist the Enterprise defense.
Heidelberg Academy at Columbia
The Rebels head south to Columbia for a non-district contest on Friday. Heidelberg is 6-1 on the season and is ranked No. 1 in the Academy A poll.
They whipped Kemper Academy 48-0 last week to move to 4-0 inside District 3-A.
Quarterback Josh Webb threw four touchdown passes in last week's win. Two went to receiver Heath Ainsworth and one each were to Jeremy Eason and Brook Lewis.
Columbia is 2-5 on the season and have been outscored by its opponents by a 153-99 margin.
In other south area games, Wayne Academy heads to Prentiss Christian, Wayne County goes to Oak Grove and Bay Springs is at Seminary.