East Webster football coach Ron Price knew his team would have to play really well to compete with Choctaw County in the season opener for both teams. The Wolverines struggled stopping the Chargers on offense as they dropped a 42-13 decision on Friday night.
Price was understandably frustrated at the final score.
“I’m just frustrated that we didn’t execute better than we did,” Price said. “We had some opportunities on our first drive and dropped a pass and missed a backslide slant on fourth down. I think if we go down and score on that drive, it could have changed the confidence of our team.”
The Chargers hit paydirt on the second play of the game as they raced 65 yards for a touchdown and a 6-0 lead.
“They scored on their first drive on buck sweep,” Price said. “Our kids have seen buck sweep again and again. I can’t tell you how many times our kids have heard the words buck sweep. They have seen it all spring and summer and they bust it on the second play. You just have to make plays.”
From there, the Wolverines turned the ball over on downs on two straight series before Choctaw County scored on a 20-yard touchdown pass with 2:30 left in the first quarter for a 14-0 lead.
The Chargers added two more scores in the second period, one on a 32-yard interception return and another on a buck sweep before the half to lead 29-0 at the half.
“They are going to be very competitive in Class 3A,” Price said of Choctaw County. “They have quality skill kids. They had a lot of people run the football and their big skill guys made the plays. It’s frustrating when you are really young and playing good football teams. We are making strides and working hard. The two teams we have played are really good 3A football teams. Hopefully our kids will stick with it and get better by the time that district play rolls around. It would be easy to schedule some cupcake wins and those mistakes we have made the first two weeks down show.”
The Chargers added two more scores in the second half and led 42-0 before East Webster scored.
The Wolverines first score came midway through the fourth when Keevon Patterson hit Conner Shurden on a 10-yard touchdown pass to make it 42-7.
The last score came in the last seconds after Patterson hit Shurden on a 58-yard pass. Patterson then finished off the drive with a quarterback sneak to make the final 42-13.
“Offensively, I thought Tyreke Pittman ran the ball well and got some extra yards after the initial hit,” Price said. “I was pleased with the way he ran the ball after a major injury. Conner Shurden played well at receiver and was able to get the ball in the end zone. I thought the offensive line was better than they were against Aberdeen.”
The Wolverines had 211 yards of total offense with 113 rushing and 98 passing. Patterson was 5-of-9 passing for 86 yards. Shurden had 62 yards receiving on three catches while Hastings Gipson had two catches for 25 yards. Pittman had 76 yards rushing on 12 carries.
On defense, Carter Flora got his first start as a freshman and led the defense with six tackles. Cason Pate had five tackles while Hunter Dendy had four tackles and a tackle for loss. Cooper Reed had four tackles with one tackle for a loss while Rashad Hamilton also had four tackles. Steven Betts had three tackles and forced a fumble while Camron Jennings had two tackles and a fumble recovery. Isaac Jones, Daniel Rogers and Kainan Reed each had two tackles apiece.
The Wolverines will host Okolona this week. The Chieftains took a 19-14 win over J.Z. George in their season opener. Okolona was led by Jacorrious Standfield had 134 yards on 13 carries.
“They are very athletic,” Price said of Okolona. “A lot of people are giving them a chance to represent the North in 1A this year. They were in the North 1A championship game last year and had a chance to be Hollandale, who won 1A. They have them believing they can win. They are a quality opponent. Hopefully we will improve from week 1 to 2. Our kids need a victor and some success. They are giving their best effort and good things will come to us.”
