Wildcats facing crucial three-game stretch

The Kemper County Wildcats took another tough loss on the gridiron last week, as they dropped a 44-7 decision to Noxubee County at home. 

The Wildcats’ lone touchdown would came on a 90-yard kick-off return by Aidan Burrage in the first quarter. The loss drops the Wildcats record to 1-5, however the Wildcats are only 0-1 in division play, sitting them in fourth place of the division. 

In the five-team division the top four teams secure a playoff spot, meaning the Wildcats will likely secure a spot by winning one of its final three games. Lake sits atop the division for now with a 2-0 record. Next is Philadelphia who is 1-0, followed by Newton who is 1-1. The only team behind the Wildcats is Nanih Waiya, however if the Wildcats are unable to defeat Newton on Friday, they will be tied for last with Nanih Waiya. 

Fortunately, the toughest part of the Wildcats season is now over after playing Noxubee on Friday. 

"In the end, it came down to experience," Coach William Clay said, "Noxubee had more experience." Noxubee has played strong this year, with its only losses coming to West Point, Shannon, and Louisville. Clay said there is some improvement to be done before the most important three-game stretch of the season. "We have to come out from the line of scrimmage on offense and defense," Clay said, "If we can do that, we can compete with anyone in the 2A division." "We got to come out focused and ready to play football, '' Clay said. 

Clay said he liked what he saw in his defensive backs protecting the pass game on Friday, however there is work to do all around. "we have got to get better everyday," Clay said, "At the end of the day, guys need more snaps in order to make big-time plays in big time games." 

The Wildcats will look to get in the division win column as they host Newton in Scooba on Friday at 7 p.m.