Wildcats close out non-district schedule Friday
The Kemper County Wildcats took a tough 42-12 loss on the road at Lake this week, falling to 0-1 in district play. Lake was able to jump out fast from the start, as they took a 35-6 halftime lead.
The Wildcats will end their non-district schedule this week as they take on Noxubee County, who has struggled some this season. KCHS head coach William Clay is looking and hoping to see players fight to the end of games and not quit. “We have got to get back to work and get better every day,” Clay said. Following the matchup against Noxubee at Sullivan-Windham field in Scooba on Friday, the Wildcats will host the powerful Newton Tigers, a district champion favorite who has already earned one district win and will battle Lake this week for the lead in the district.
Newton’s district win came over Nanih Waiya last week, as the Warriors will face Philadelphia this week. The Wildcats will need to win all three final games over Newton, Philadelphia, and Nanih Waiya to have a chance at the number one seed. The top four teams in the district will secure a playoff spot, so the Wildcats will need to win at least two of these games to secure their spot in the playoffs. October is here, meaning MHSAA football games will now return to the normal 7 p.m. kickoff times.
Last year, the Wildcats were able to secure their first district win over the Hornets due to timely defensive stops. This year, the tables were completely turned as untimely mistakes are what may have cost the Wildcats the game. The Wildcats were able to light the scoreboard up last year with touchdown after touchdown, however this year were only able to score twice.
First, Kendetryon Backstrom scored from four yards using his feet. Later in the game, Kaleb Jackson would break loose for a 40 yard punt return, giving the Wildcats their only other touchdown of the game.
“Our lack of execution and untimely mistakes cost us the game,” Clay said. He gave Lake credit. “Lake is a gritty team”, he said, “They play hard.”