By By Jeff Byrd/The Meridian Star
Sept. 7, 2001
Fresh off a 15-10 win over Neshoba Central, the Quitman Panthers hit the road for the first time when they travel to Collins tonight.
Collins is coming off an impressive win of their own after beating 4A power Lawrence County 24-22 on a last-minute field goal. Collins has been a tough 3A team in the South State ranks for years, and this is the first time they have met Quitman in football.
Faulkner was pleased his team was able to get a win over the always-tough Rockets last week at Panther Stadium in Quitman.
Drawing praise from the coach for the efforts on defense were nose guard Darrius Black and outside linebacker Marcus Moore. Moore teamed up with Fred Carter for a key safety that gave the Panthers a five-point lead late in the game.
The top offensive performer was tailback Evan Pickens who scored both an offensive and defensive touchdown. Pickens had a 70-yard TD run to go with a 29-yard interception return for a TD. He had 75 yards rushing.
Enterprise at South Leake
The Bulldogs of Enterprise will be out searching for win No. 2 when they head north to face the South Leake Wildcats on Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
Enterprise is coming off a solid 27-8 season opening win over the Union Yellow Jackets. Tailback Kelly Jimerson ran for 165 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Bulldogs.
The Dog defense was paced by Zeb and Zack Swain. Zeb Swain returned a fumble for a touchdown and also had seven tackles. Zack Swain had 10 stops while Josh Williams had two sacks and recovered another Union fumble.
Simpson Academy at Heidelberg Academy
Heidelberg Academy will seek revenge against the only team to beat the Rebels last season en route to the Mississippi Private School Association Class A football title.
Simpson blanked Heidelberg 6-0 last year in Mendenhall. Heidelberg went on to average 44 points in their remaining eight regular season games and then carried that high-powered offense into their playoff run.
Last week, Heidelberg opened with a 7-6 win against Oak Hill in West Point. The club is led by quarterback Josh Webb and tailback Heath Ainsworth.
Players of the Week:
For Quitman: tailback Evans Pickens. Pickens scored an offensive and defensive touchdown for the Panthers in their 15-10 win over Neshoba Central.
For Enterprise: William Jimmerson ran for 165 yards and two touchdowns in the Bulldogs season opening win against Union.