Thursday set the stage for a rematch in the making and Choctaw County making good on the get-back promise from the 2022 District Championship game between Eupora and Choctaw County and the last 22 seconds of the game.
And it was certainly a promise kept, complete with cannon blast, as the Chargers played a lights out game on the field and in the stands – literally – shutting out the Eagles in the last Highway 9 Bowl to be played at Dale Davidson Field.
For Dillon Mitchell, it was a special night not only getting the win but finishing the regular season – with playoffs looming – on the same field his grandfather coached.
“It’s very special, my granddad is one of my biggest role models and one of the most Godly men I know. His health is declining and he’s been able to watch us on livestream. He loved his time here and I am loving it as well. To carry on his legacy and name is something I don’t take lightly,” Mitchell said.
It was Eupora with the first strike as the Eagles recovered an onside kick. However, the Eagles wouldn’t be able to capitalize as the Chargers defense pushed the Eagles to a three-and-out.
The Chargers would return the onside kick draw with a successful drive with KJ Cork going with a Tayshawn King, Jeramiah Miller combo. But it would Cork with a one-yard keeper, and an added PAT by JaeDin Thames, the score became 7-0.
However, in the middle of the Eagles drive, 4County decided to pull a trick play of its own and the entire Town of Ackerman went pitch black as the Ackerman substation and the Town of Ackerman line both went down.
Groans were heard, but the bands decided to take matters into their own hands with a Battle of the Bands style “fifth quarter” in the middle of the first.
With Dale Davidson lit up by the lights of cellphones and flashlights, the Pride of Choctaw County and the Eagles battled back and forth. In the battle, it was the Chargers who took the win.
4County worked diligently and turned the lights back on and first quarter resumed, with the Eagles bringing out the punting team.
The Chargers were back on offense, and this time Cork went with a Miller, Chevez Sellers, Jahiem Woodard, Caleb Cunningham combo with Miller scoring on a five yard, and another added PAT by JaeDin Thames, the score went up 14-0.
The Eagles again tried to put something together but, another solid performance by the defense put them again in punting territory.
This time, the County Boys got a huge block and it was Javontaye Robinson who ran the blocked kick back, for a 21 yard touchdown. After a declining of penalities against the Chargers and the Eagles, the touchdown stood. Thames PAT was no good, making the score 20-0.
Still trying to convert on downs, the Eagles again attempt to “make something shake” but against were brickwalled by the County Boys defense.
This time, on a Woodard, Sellers, Cunningham combo, KJ found Cunningham on a 42 yard run. With a two-point conversion by Jeramiah Miller the score went up 28-0.
The Eagles still couldn’t convert, riddled by their own penalities, the Chargers led 28-0 at the half.
In the third quarter, The Eagles were shutout again by the Charger defense and the Chargers would seal the deal with a Cork to Woodard and Miller combination with Miller scoring on a 10-yard run and another PAT by Thames made it 35-0.
And it was all she wrote as both sides were pushed to three-and-outs as the clock ran down.
The seniors left their mark on Dale as the County Boys would get the win on Senior Night.
At 0:00, the Chargers regular season and the last Webster County rivalry played at the Dale ended.
“This is a really strong group of seniors. We had senior dinner Wednesday night and spent a lot of time talking about how we wanted to finish and the opportunity they have to leave a special mark at Choctaw County. This time of year, seniors tend to elevate their play, and we need them all to do just that. This is their team and their time!”
But not before a couple of the County Boys racked up some accolades of their own. At the game's close, Dale Reid announced that Cork had broken the school’s record for the most completions with 13, but in a career with 32 and the most yards with 1,869.
Reid also announced that Cunningham had broken the school record and career record for the most catches, most yards, and most touchdowns. Recently, Jeremiah Miller was named to the Magnolia Sports Association’s Super Sophomore game.
“It’s awesome to see Jeramiah getting some recognition for his performances this season. It’s a testament to his hard work and also his teammates, KJ and Caleb will continue to extend those records. They are special players and still have a lot of football left to play,” Mitchell said.
This week’s game
Ahh, playoffs. With the regular season to a close everyone who advanced in 3A North is now 0-0, and it’s for anyone to grab. The Chargers are working to become the last man standing in not only 3A North but 3A overall.
And they’re well on their way to doing just that. But they first have to get past the first round. In the first round, they’ll meet the Coahoma County Red Panthers. The Red Panthers (4-5, 2-3) took the fourth spot in Region 2-3A play.
“I think it will be a pretty physical game and a lot of speed on the field. We will have to stop the run really well and play clean offensively,” Mitchell said.
But, in the playoffs, anything goes and Mitchell encourages the community to come out and support the Chargers in the quest for the gold ball.
“Nothing is promised moving forward. We need to pack the stands every Friday for these kids! We’ve got a great team that deserves to be supported!”
Let the road to Vaught-Hemmingway begin!
Player of the week:
This week's player of the week is Sophomore Benjarvius Shumaker. Shumaker has 4 solo tackles, two assisted tackles, two sacks and 3 yards total for loss.
