This past Friday night marked the beginning of the North State Playoffs, as Palmer High School traveled from Quitman County to Dale Davidson field to take on the home- standing Chargers, in what proved to be a blowout win for Choctaw County, with a final score of 41-20.
The Chargers led 41-6 early in the third quarter, when Head Coach Jeff Roberts pulled all of his starters and began inserting backups. It was only then that Palmer added a couple of meaningless touchdowns to their tally, as the game was well in hand.
The Chargers further stamped their identity as a run-first team with a total of 221 yards on the ground, and Antonio Kennedy again proved to be the workhorse, with 147 yards on 16 carries, for an average of 9.2 yards/carry. Kennedy had four touchdowns to add to his stellar performance.
Tyreese Miller contributed on the ground with 51 yards on 6 carries, for an average of 8.5 yards/carry. Roberts stated that Kennedy is a bruising, down-hill type runner, whereas Miller brings a nice change of pace with his quickness and speed.
Clark Crowley anchored the receiving corps with 53 yards on three receptions, and Connor Jewell completed 8 of 14 for the night.
The defense again stood tall, with outstanding performances from a number of players, with Dajuan Woods leading the way with five solo tackles and 10 assists. The Beard brothers, Trace and Luke, contributed with seven and six tackles respectively, A.J. Shelton added seven, and Calvin Roberts had six.
The win sets up another home game for the Chargers, as Baldwyn travels to Ackerman for second-round playoff action, this Friday night. Roberts stated that Baldwyn is a well- coached team, and CCHS will get their best shot. He added that it is a great advantage to be able to play the first two rounds of playoffs in front of the home crowd.
After three losses in the first four games, all coming against teams in higher classifications, the Chargers keep charging ahead, now with six wins in a row.
Football championship games set for USM
The Mississippi High School Activities Association has moved football championship games from Mississippi Memorial Stadium in Jackson to M. M. Roberts Stadium on the campus of USM in Hattiesburg due to the possibility that the December 3 and 4 dates might conflict with Jackson State hosting the SWAC championship game.
On Friday December 3, the 3A title game is scheduled for 11 a.m. 1A at 3 p.m. and 6A at 7 p.m. The next day it will be 4A at 11 a.m., 2A at 3 p.m. ad 5A at 7 p.m.
Defending champions are Oak Grove in 6A, West Jones in 5A, Louisville in 4A, Magee in 3A, Taylorsville in 2A and Lumberton in 1A. Taylorsville has dropped down to 1A.
