Dawkins pleased with KA’s team effort

Four senior football players and two senior cheerleaders will be honored on Friday at 6 p.m. be- fore Kemper Academy’s home game with West Memphis Christian School as part of Senior Night. The game, the final one of the season for the Rams, is set to kickoff at 7 p.m. Pictured above are: (front row from left, Sydney Wilson and Avery Luke; (back row from left) Eli Miles, Brody Barefield, Alex Ferrell, and Landon Dickson.

SCHOOL PHOTO

Kemper Academy’s Eli Weaver (22) uses a stiff arm on a quarterback run during a game earlier this season.

JASON DYESS / Kemper County Messenger

Kemper Academy head coach Michael Dawkins keeps his eyes on the defense in a game earlier this season.

Eli Miles (16) follows his blocker to pick up some yards for Kemper Academy.

JASON DYESS / Kemper County Messenger

Posted Thursday, October 21, 2021 12:00 am

By Cooper Sanders

The Kemper Academy Rams fought hard in their long road trip to Ben’s Ford, in Bogalusa, Louisiana. The Rams lost 50-36 after coming back from down four touch- downs.

Coach Michael Dawkins said the game was hard fought on both sides. "The guys never gave up", said Dawkins. “The whole team contributed in some way.”

Eli Weaver led most stats as he threw for 172 yards with two touchdowns, and ran for 194 yards with two more scores. He also had eight tackles on defense.

Eli Miles was also everywhere on the field as he rushed for a touchdown, caught a touchdown pass and had four tackles. Thomas Mattox had seven tackles, 57 receiving yards, and punted for a career long 45 yards. Colton Kynerd had 55 receiving yards.

Team captain Brody "Bear" Barefield showed great leadership on both sides, and also made five tackles. Nick Dawkins had five tackles along with Landon Dixons four tackles, and Brody Wilson had a receiving touch- down, including a 38-yard kickoff return.

Dawkins said his freshmen Brody West and Grant Wil- son stepped up big in this game. The offensive line blocked well with Alex Ferrel anchoring the middle, and Beau Gully beside him. Konor Roberts and Ethan Cordar also played well on both sides of the ball.
The Rams will finish their season Friday at home with a battle against West Memphis Christian. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on ‘Senior Night.’