By By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
Oct. 30, 2003
A lot is at stake when Newton County hosts Choctaw Central in Division 5-3A football action Friday at Decatur. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
With a win, Newton County could still win the division, if Carthage knocks off West Lauderdale.
The Cougars, 5-4, won their fourth straight last week as they whipped Southeast Lauderdale 41-14. Choctaw Central fell to 4-5 overall with a 28-14 loss to Forest.
The Cougars rushed the ball 39 times for 320 yards. Three backs had at least 70 yards apiece.
While the Warriors are out of the playoff hunt, Breland expects them to give his team a good battle.
Newton County leads the series 4-0.
Union
at Puckett
In a rematch of last year's Class 1A South State championship game, the Yellowjackets and Wolves tangle at Puckett.
Union shocked No. 1 and previously-unbeaten Scott Central 21-12 last week, as Anthony Johnson rushed 33 times for 201 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also threw for another touchdown.
Puckett also had a big game last week, beating previously-undefeated South Leake 34-26 at Walnut Grove.
The Jackets know all about speedy Terrell Jackson of Puckett as his game-opening kickoff return and long touchdown reception ended their hopes of a state championship last year.
The Wolves have a multitude of offensive formations and rarely line up the same way on consecutive plays.
Puckett has a 2-1 lead in the series which began in 2001.
at Williams-Sullivan
The Hornets took a giant leap toward the playoffs with an 8-0 victory over Newton last week. Now Lake, 4-5, travels to Durant to take on the Yellowjackets, who have lost six straight after winning their first three games.
Philadelphia spanked Williams-Sullivan 38-12 last week.
Lake had only 91 yards total offense against Newton, but the Hornet defense came through with a shutout.
This will be the first meeting of the two schools.
Newton County Aca.
The Generals finished their season at 5-5 with a 38-20 loss to Sylva-Bay Academy last week.