Kemper County set to host Velma Jackson Friday
The Kemper County Wildcats will be heading to the second round of the MHSAA Class 2A Football Playoffs this Friday as they will host Velma Jackson, at EMCC.
The Wildcats defeated Collins 47-14 in the first round of the playoffs last week. The visiting Tigers struck first in very lucky fashion. After the opening kickoff return touchdown was called back, Tiger Quarterback, Jumarion Thompson threw a pass that was bobbled by the Wildcat defense that would then fall into the hands of Chris Preston at the goal line. Tykedrick Barnes would then run the ball into the endzone from three yards away, giving the Tigers a 7-0 lead.
The Wildcats would strike back fast with a touchdown of their own as Aaron Stelle would heave a 23 yard touchdown to Aiden Burrage, but the PAT was blocked so the Wildcats still trailed by a point. However the Wildcats would not trail again as on their next drive, Dicenzo Miller Jr. would dive into the endzone after a 43 yard run. The Wildcats two point conversion would give them a 14-7 lead.
On the Wildcats next drive, Miller would take off for a 44 yard run all the way to the ten yard line. On the next play, Miller would push through for a powerful ten yard touchdown run. On the following drive, the Tigers were knocking on the door with just seconds until halftime.
On the last play of the drive, Thompson threw a pass that was intercepted by Kendeytron Backstrom at the ten yard line, which he returned 90 yards to the end zone to end the half with a 27-7 lead. In the second half, Collins would attempt a flea flicker however the pass was intercepted by Heaven Coleman.
On the next drive, Miller took off for a 53 yard touchdown run, his third touchdown of the game, giving the Wildcats a 33-7 lead. Collins would punt on the next drive, and Miller would return the kick from the 33 to the eight, bulldozing his way through the Tigers. After a few plays Aaron Steele would run the ball into the endzone from less than a yard away.
On the next drive, Heaven Coleman would intercept another pass to set up for a 32 yard touchdown run by Aaron Steele, giving the Wildcats a 47-7 lead. The Wildcats would then remove the starters and Collins would only score one more touchdown, cutting the big lead to 47-14. Coach Dicenzo Miller was happy for the win, but says the Wildcats still have mistakes that need to be cut out .
“We are in the same spot we were in last year,” said Miller, as the Wildcats were eliminated in the second round of last year’s 3A playoffs. “We gotta get ready and get better,” says Miller, as the Wildcats face a tough opponent next week.