By By Shawn Wansley / special to The Star
Oct. 23, 2004
ELLISVILLE The Wayne County War Eagles defeated the West Jones Mustangs 23-14 here Friday night at Sim Cooley Field at Bobcat Stadium on the campus of Jones Junior College before an estimated crowd of 10,000 fans.
The fans began arriving early in the day to tailgate and the atmosphere proved to be a terrific one for high school football.
The War Eagles overcame four lost fumbles on the night. Running back Arthur Everett picked up 110 yards on 20 carries and quarterback Drexler Johnson completed 9-of-17 passes for 96 yards.
The Mustangs, meanwhile, put the ball up 40 times in the game, completing 13 for 185 yards. West Jones was limited to 38 yards on 27 attempts.
Wayne County took the game's opening kickoff and drove 60 yards in five plays.
Johnson connected with Jacques McBride on a 28-yard scoring pass. Brandan Sellers added the conversion and it was 7-0 with 10:08 left in the first quarter.
Next up was some controversy.
The War Eagles drove to the West Jones 6-yard line. On fourth down, they lined up to attempt a 23-yard field goal, which was blocked. The teams
fought for the ball, which ended up back at the 23.
Wayne County was awarded possession at first with the officials ruling West Jones had picked up the ball and fumbled it back. But the Mustangs were then awarded ball possession. After War Eagle coach Marcus Boyles questioned the officials, the ball was given back to Wayne County.
Three plays later, Johnson hit Marquese Ray, who made a nifty, one-handed reception for a touchdown. The conversion attempt was off to the right, but
the War Eagles led 13-0 with 11:06 left in the second quarter.
Later in the half, West Jones defensive tackle Ira Lee Keys recovered a fumble at the Wayne County 28.
Seven plays later, quarterback Warren Herrington sneaked in from a yard out on fourth and goal. Zack Adams' conversion made it 13-7 with 2:02 left in the half.
The Mustangs got the ball back just before the half and moved to the War Eagle 33. On the final play of the half, Jacob Koechner attempted a 50-yard
field goal, which was right on line, but hit the crossbar and fell back.
Wayne County scored on its first possession of the second half. They drove from the Mustang 42 to the West 15. From there, Sellers booted a 32-yard
field goal and the War Eagles were up 16-7 with 7:04 left in the third quarter.
It stayed that way until the final two minutes of play.
West's Archie Sims recovered a War Eagle fumble at the Wayne County 48 with 2:03 left. Herrington connected with Nathan Sumrall for 22 yards and Michael Thigpen for 25 yards to the 1. Herrington then sneaked it in again for the score. Adams' PAT made it 16-14 with 1:33 left.
Wayne County's McBride then recovered Koechner's onside kick attempt at his own 46. A personal foul against the Mustangs put the ball on the West Jones 39.
After DeMarco Moore gained a yard, Everett picked up 19 yards. He then carried again for 19 yards and a touchdown with 51.2 seconds left. Sellers' kick ended the scoring.
Wayne County, ranked No. 3 by Associated Press, improves to 9-0 overall, 5-0 in Region 5-4A. If they beat Northeast Jones next week, the War Eagles will claim the regional title.
West Jones, ranked No. 2, falls to 8-1 overall, 4-1 in the region. The Mustangs visit Northeast Lauderdale next week.