By Staff
JUST IN TIME West Lauderdale quarterback Michael Pogue (4) gets rid of the ball just as an opponent dives for a sack in a recent high school game. The Knights travel to take on Forest Friday night. PAULA MERRITT / THE MERIDIAN STAR
By Will Bardwell / staff writer
Oct. 16, 2003
Stan McCain's West Lauderdale team has given him a little bit of everything recently, and he hopes the Knights can keep on giving when they travel to Forest on Friday.
Other local games include Northeast Lauderdale versus Neshoba Central, Southeast Lauderdale against Morton, Adams Christian at Lamar School and Clarkdale at Philadelphia.
After being carried by their defense early in the season, the Knights' offense broke out for 28 points against Choctaw Central and 31 points against Newton County. Since then, though, West Lauderdale has scored only 17 total points in its last two contests.
No matter which side has carried the load, West Lauderdale is now sitting on a five-game winning streak.
It may be a little easier for Forest, though. The Knights' leading tackler, linebacker Caleb Dulaney, is suffering from a high ankle sprain and may not play Friday.
But after scoring just as many points in the last two weeks as they did in the second half against Newton County, McCain admits his offense is his biggest concern.
The West Lauderdale offense has been shut out in seven of its previous eight quarters though, and McCain said the Knights will have to establish their passing attack early on Friday to stretch Forest's defense.
Neshoba Central
at NE Lauderdale
The bad news for Northeast Lauderdale is that the Trojans suffered a huge shutout loss against Wayne County.
The good news is that so has everybody else.
One week after a 40-0 setback against the War Eagles, Steve Nelson said his team was able to build confidence against the state's second-ranked team.
The Trojans must now regroup for their homecoming game against Neshoba Central on Friday, and Nelson hopes his offense can lead the way against a Rockets defense that has allowed only three touchdowns over its last two games.
The Trojans' defense will face a familiar scheme against the Rockets.
Morton at
SE Lauderdale
Dwane Taylor is tired of moral victories.
After coming up short 16-13 against Choctaw Central on Friday, Taylor said his Southeast Lauderdale team is desperate to break its four-game losing streak.
Taylor said the offense has also gotten sloppy in its fundamentals, particularly up front.
The Tigers' defense has played well in recent weeks, holding the last two opponents under 20 points each. Taylor said that Morton's running game will challenge Southeast Lauderdale's speed.
If the defense can hold, Taylor hopes the offense can help the Tigers break through for their second win.