For a team who clearly plays best on a dry, hot field, the Warriors have adjusted well; to the tune of a 7 - 2 record. Friday night Senatobia laid a scornful whipping on the back-side of DeSoto County's Lewisburg High School. Playing again on spongy, wet turf the Warriors defense was suffocating and the Warrior running game finally got a new set of wheels. Final score: Senatobia 28 Lewisburg 14.
The Warriors got off to a slow start, but gained momentum as the first half went on. Senatobia gave away many opportunities in the first half. Twice in the waning minutes of the first half Senatobiafound themselves in scoring position only to blow the occasion. Despite the missed scoring opportunities and 3 turnovers the Warriors were up halftime thanks to the defense. Lewisburg entered halftime with as many total of yards of offense as the Warriors did points; 7.
Offenses found more traction after the halftime and put 28 points on a Lewisburg run and pass, a second touchdown run by Dex Herrington and a short burst on the legs of Quintavius Burdette. Josh Garrett was also keyin getting the Warriors get into scoring position throughout the game. The other score in the 45 yard interception return by Ketrell Bowen, who is always deadly in the open field.
If football is, as most believe, metal, Senatobia needed to win. The loss to Lafayette took more than an undefeated season from the Warriors. Following that loss Senatobia went to Tunica, as Oakmont T. Brown so eloquently described in last week's article, mentally unprepared to play. It cost them their second loss and a handful of chips for playoff bargaining. There is nothing like a solid victory to play the role of the psychiatrist's chaise lounge in shaking off the mental trapassociated with losing.
The Warriors finish the regular season this Friday night in Olive Branch against new DeSoto County School Center Hill High School. If the Warriors win, they will finish second in the district and will, as a result, host a third place team the following week. If they lose, they will finish 4th in the district and will travel to play the first place Cleveland Wildcats.
Olive Branch isn't a far trip. These high school boys will play, regardless of temperature, regardless of weather, regardless of anything.... unpaid, but impassioned. They need us. We must be there; for them to hear our shouts of support. Your presence alone will represent shouts of acclamation - "what you do matters!" Your blue will show all those who see you, who you stand by.
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