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An approaching severe thunderstorm, laced with lightning strikes, cleared the stands at 6:45 p.m., just prior to introductions of the players. Due to safety concerns, the game didn't kick off until 9 p.m.
Lawrence County's Monterrio Taylor started at right guard and helped pave the way for the South's impressive 314 rushing yards. Taylor smiled and said he enjoyed the week of practice.
"I had a lot of fun," said Taylor, a Southwest Mississippi Community College signee. "It was good for Kendrick to get the MVP."
South teammate Mark Seymour of D'Iberville rushed for a game-best 105 yards on just 4 carries. His 96-yard run to the North's 6-yard line set up a 21-yard field goal by Picayune's Adam Herrington, giving the South a 17-0 halftime lead.
Seymour also made a leaping, 10-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Chucky Nichols of Northeast Jones on the final play of the game. The North had scored its second TD with 40 seconds left in the game. Picayune head coach Dodd Lee sent his South team to the airways on their final possession after the North attempted an onsides kickoff that the South recovered at the North's 47.
Nichols hooked up with CaDarrius Stallworth of Moss Point for 37 yards on first down, setting up the TD strike to Seymour. Nichols also ran for 2 touchdowns on runs of 10 and 5 yards. Nichols fumbled the snap on his second score, picked up the football and raced for the corner of the end zone, putting the South up 24-zip with 2:02 left in the third quarter.
Franklin County fullback Jordan Hunt ran the football with speed and authority, breaking North tackles up the middle. He finished with 9 carries for 70 yards.
"We worked hard all week and deserved to win," said Hunt, a Copiah-Lincoln Community College signee who is expected to play outside linebacker for the Wolfpack.
Lawrence County head coach Mike Davis coached the South offensive line and said he was pleased with the results. "We had one heckuva a great week. We had a great group of kids to work with."
Davis said the offensive scheme employed by Lee featured an I-formation. It established a power running game and complimented Hardy. "Kendrick took it like a duck to water. He was productive. Jordan ran real well, too."
McComb linebacker Donovan Hill received two awards last night. He was presented the game ball for selling the most advertisements in the game program. He also received the prestigious Bill Stewart Award, recognizing the athlete with the best attitude, character and conduct on and off the field.
