Wildcats capture big Homecoming victory

It was a special night for Kemper County High School all around, as the Wildcats hosted their annual homecoming game along with earning a 48-13 win over Southeast Lauderdale, its first of the season. 

Aidan Burrage had the spotlight on him all night it seemed as he scored three touchdowns, along with being named the school’s Homecoming King. Burrage recorded three receptions for 89 yards and two touchdowns through the air. His other touchdown came from a fumble recovery in the end zone. 

The sophomore quarterback, Kendetryon Backstrom finally earned his spotlight with eight completions for 176 yards and two touchdowns. Backstrom also rushed for 161 yards giving him 337 yards of total offense. Jaquavion Mason finished with 123 yards on 13 touches. 

On defense, Demarious Yates led with 13 tackles, while Kaleb Jackson caught an interception. The Wildcats trailed early after letting Southeast score on its first possession. After that touchdown, the Wildcats would take over. 

The Wildcats' takeover took a few minutes though, as they did not first score until nine minutes were left in the first half. Backstrom would take it himself into the end zone and repeat the play for two to take a 8-7 lead. On the next drive, Jaquavion Mason would break through the defense and fight on the goal line for a touchdown before fumbling into the end zone, in which Burrage would be there to recover. 

Later in the quarter, Backstrom would connect to Burrage for a 35 yard touchdown, the first passing touchdown of his career. The Wildcats would come out of the halftime break, and continue to add points to the board. 

The second half saw touchdowns from Mason, Toddrick Rush, and the Backstrom-Burrage combo. The Wildcats sideline was electric as the players and coaches were excited for the long awaited win. 

“That win gives us some confidence going into district play,” head coach William Clay said, as the Wildcats will begin district play at Lake on Friday. 

Clay was pleased with how his team executed on Friday night. “We’ve just got to keep harping on what we have been teaching and get better at the small things,” Clay said. After traveling to Lake this week, the Wildcats will return home for one more non-district game as they take on Noxubee County.