It was another Friday night of muddy football for the teams of Tate County and this week the fuzzy playoff picture began to clear up again. Strayhorn and Senatobia both knocked off division opponents and the Mustangs secured a postseason ride while Independence and Coldwater continued to slide into the cellar of their conferences. Let's take a look at the action.
Strayhorn 6 at Coahoma Agricultural 0
The Mustangs traveled to Coahoma County on Friday and won the war of the winless when they defeated the Tigers 6-0. Believe it or not, the win put the Mustangs in the playoffs for the first time in school history even after starting a dismal 0-8 on the season. Quarterback Dylan Cottrell called the win earlier in the week saying, "Our line has been beat up all year and it's been a frustrating season, but we are going to get a win this week!" Cottrell ensured that win by scoring the only touchdown of the game when he punched the ball into the end-zone on a one yard quarterback keeper. Running back, Bishop Temple, also paid his dues this week by gaining 121 yards on the ground.
The Mustang defense also stepped up on Friday and earned the school's first shutout in their short varsity history. Senior linebacker, Jerry Atkinson, lead the way for the team with four tackles in the Tiger backfield for losses. "Our guys played hard and the defense made some big stops on a very muddy field," said Coach Walker. "Making the playoffs is something new and exciting for our team. I'm proud of the guys' hard work!" The Mustangs will return home this week to face William Sullivan and the Yellow Jackets haven't won a game all year. This should be a great game for Strayhorn fans that have never seen a win at Mustang Field!
Independence 8 at Palmer 22
When the Wildcats met the Dragons in Palmer this past Friday it was a battle of two teams that were trying to keep their playoff hopes alive. Bad field conditions limited the passing game for both teams as they were forced to keep the ball on the ground. This hampered the speedy Wildcats and the Dragons took advantage and won 22-8. Independence's only touchdown came when London Parker scored on a short screen pass. "Going into this one I felt like we had a chance to win and we needed it to make the playoffs," said Coach Michael Dogan.
Independence will return to Wildcat Field this Friday to host Ruleville Central. The Wildcats and the Tigers are tied at1-3 in the division and the winner of this one will clinch a playoff birth. The matchup looks pretty even on paper and with the postseason on the line this one should be a dog fight!
Senatobia 28 vs. Lewisburg 14
After knocking off North Panola last week earlier, the Patriots came into Varner Field looking to upset the Warriors and keep their postseason door cracked. But Senatobia slammed the door shut with a 28-14 victory. Dex Herrington led the charge rushing for 126 yards and two touchdowns on twelve carries. The Warrior defense also played a major role in this one by holding the Patriots to just 170 yards. This was a big win for the Warriors as they improved to 3-2 in their division and gained some ground that was lost after the Rosa Fort game.
Rosa Fort lost to Lafayette this week dropping them to 3-3 in the conference, so the key to taking second in the division and cruising into the playoffs is a win against this week's opponent, Center Hill. The Mustangs are 4-1 in the division and on a five game winning streak. A Warrior win would spring the boys in blue past Center Hill and into second place. A loss would put Senatobia in fourth place behind Rosa Fort, so this is another must win week for Coach Oakley and the Warriors!
Coldwater 14 at Biggersville 52
Coldwater went into Corinth on Friday to take on Biggersville. The Lions jumped all over the Cougars and won 52-14. Justin Sipp scored the Cougars first touchdown on a twenty-eight yard pass from Demetrious Bonner and Antavius McGhee scored on an eighteen yard run. McGee also recorded three tackles for a loss on the defensive side of the ball.
After this loss it looks like the Cougars chance to make the postseason is slim to none. So, Coldwater may just be playing for pride when they travel to Faulkner this week to take on the Eagles. The Eagles have been inconsistent this season, so the Cougars could pull off an upset.
Last week we were looking to see who would step up when they needed to win the most and it wasn't a surprise that Senatobia did just that. It was a surprise that the Mustangs defense played so well that it not only gave Strayhorn a win, but also clinched them a playoff spot. This week, Senatobia and Independence are both in must win games to position themselves for the postseason. Be sure to check back next week to see the results!
Want to talk football or have some action shots to share? Email me at sjenkins.shelter@gmail.com.
Subscribe to the printed edition of the Democrat now!
