The Choctaw County Chargers fall 1-3 in non-region play after dropping a heartbreaker to the Kosciusko Whippets at Dale Davidson Field on Friday night as the Whippets defeated the Chargers 24-21.
The game was originally set to be played in Kosciusko, however; because of the work being done on the Whippets field, the game was moved to Ackerman.
The Whippets struck first in the first quarter, after a fumbled recovery by Antonio “BB” Kennedy, but a Pick-6 intercepted by Jaquavious Pace, returned for 87 yards, put the Whippets on the board.
In the second quarter, after a short quarterback switch out from Kenyauta “KJ” Cork to James and back to Cork, the Chargers were able to push the drive into scoring position. And a Cork to Jeramiah Miller combination put the Chargers on the board 14-7.
The third quarter was all Whippets, after referees returned a Charger drive that would have resulted in a touchdown for too many men in the backfield. The Whippets were able to capitalize on that momentum and make it 24-7 after going up from a touchdown and a field goal.
However, in a turn of events – and for this game it wasn’t surprising – Quay Lane intercepted the ball and brought the Chargers momentum back. The Chargers fought back, putting up two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
But Chargers were not able to capitalize on that last drive designed to take time away from the Whippets, and the Whippets took a victory knee in the last few seconds of the game.
“We tried to catch them sleeping, and we just didn’t get it. We had a few nice plays to get down there; we just have to finish,” Head Coach Jeff Roberts said.
Roberts said that turnovers and inconsistency have been two key missing components in the last two games.
“We have to have more consistency, and we can’t have any more turnovers. That has been the key in our last two games,” Roberts said.
An interception by Junior Jalon James and Senior Quay Lane were both momentum shifters during the game.
“Those were two big plays in the game,” Roberts said. “Interceptions can change a ball game, so we did a much better job of capitalizing on those instead of just pass deflection. I preach turnovers,” he said.
Toward the end of Friday's game, Sophomore Caleb Cunningham wasn't on the field. Roberts said it was a minor twist and that he expects Cunningham to be able to play against Union next Friday.
Player of the Week:
This week’s player of the week is Keyshawn Scott. The Senior linebacker/half back had 13 tackles and three tackles for loss in a 21-24 loss to Kosciusko.
Chargers Upcoming Game:
This week the Chargers are on the road to Newton County as they take on the Union High School Yellow Jackets. After the Yellow Jackets, the Chargers are off for a week before the Highway 15 Bowl, against the East Webster Wolverines.
“Union is a physical and well coached team, so I expect a good game,” Roberts said.
