By By Dale McKee/Laurel Leader-Call
Nov. 18, 2001
WAYNESORO- The Biloxi Indians restored some luster to their season with a shocking 17-14 win over Wayne County here Friday night in the opening game of the Class 5A state playoffs.
Bilox's offense nickled and dimed their way gaining 180 yards through the air and 123 rushing but kept the ball away from Wayne's offense.
Wayne County struck first in the opening period by driving 72 yards in seven plays to score on a Michael McLaughlin three-yard burst with 5:41 to play in the period.
Akeem Lofton rushed three times in the drive for 30 yards. Quarterback Jonathan Sellers gained 23 yards, and McLaughlin had runs of three and 14 yards plus the TD run.
The kick conversion failed ,and WC led 6-0. The next time Wayne had the ball, Lofton went in at quarterback and gained 46 yards on the first play
placing the ball at the 10. The drive stalled and Wayne missed a 32-yard field goal.
Biloxi (6-5) finally got their offense jump started by using a trick play that produced a 63-yard TD.
Jones broke a tackle and danced the sidelines for 63 yards and the score. Kyle Ellis kicked the conversion ,and Biloxi led 7-6, never to trail again.
Wayne County took the ball over with 1:42 to play in the half. Wayne fumbled on first down, and defensive linemen Demone Claiburne picked up the loose ball ,running 14 yards for a score.
The Indians led 14-6 at intermission. The Indians came out in the second half and marched from their 25 to the Wayne County five in 12 plays before the drive stalled.
Ellis came in and drilled a 22-yard field goal with 6:28 to play in the period, and Biloxi led 17-6.
Wayne (9-3) finally pulled within three when Lofton ran 14 yards to score with 7:06 to play in the game.
Scoot Saul ran the conversion, and Wayne trailed 17-14. The scoring drive was 31 yards in five plays. Biloxi, with the aid of two Wayne County penalties, moved the ball to the 18 before Toran Chambers intercepted a pass at the Indian one-yard line.
Wayne moved the ball out to the 44 before fumbling, and the Indians ran out the clock
Howell led the Indian offense with a 14 of 26 passing night for 117 yards.
Biloxi travels to Moss Point next week. Lofton led Wayne with 99 yards rushing. Wayne rushed for 278 yards and passed for 31 yards.