Wildcats close out football season

Kemper County's Dicenzo Miller (2) rushes for a first down in the scrimmage against Leake County at the beginning of the season.

Posted Tuesday, November 17, 2020 11:00 pm

By Steve Swogetinsky

The Kemper Messenger

The 2020 football season came to an end for the Kemper County Wildcats as they dropped a 55-20 decision to West Marion in the second round of the Class 3A state playoffs.

The Wildcats finished the season with an 8-3 record. West Marion improved to 9-2 on the season. They will advance to play Columbia in the third round Fright night.

“We just lost to a better team Friday night,” Coach Ray Westerfield said. “We had to play a mistake-free game. And in the first quarter, they scored two touchdowns off of turnovers. We had touched the ball for three plays and the score was 21-0.

“We got in a hole and it was an uphill climb after that.”

Westfield was pleased with what was accomplished this season.

“I thought we had a pretty good season,” Westerfield said. “I think we got some excitement about Kemper County football. People were interested in Kemper County football and what we were trying to do. We have the kids interest back. Now we have to capitalize off of it.”

Dicenzo Miller II scored two touchdowns against West Marion on runs of 20 and three yards. Jamar Grace scored on a 64-yard pass from Aaron Steele.

Westerfield said he hoped to get the off season weight training program going as soon as possible but admitted it could be tough right now because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is expecting 16 starters back and is hoping to have spring training in April and May.

“We aren’t going to be satisfied with what we did this year,” Westerfield said. “We want to improve and get better.”