After starting the season with 3 straight losses, the Winston Patriots answered back with 3 straight wins. But the winning streak was broken last Friday night in Greenville as the Patriots dropped their first district game with a 47-0 loss to the St. Joseph Fighting Irish.
In a game that saw the Patriots struggle all night on offense, the defense did the same as they saw the Fighting Irish score on 7 of their 10 possessions. As the Patriots trailed 30-0 at halftime, it didn't take long to hit the running clock mode as St. Joseph added their 5th score of the night with 6 minutes remaining in the third quarter to go up 37-0.
One of the only bright spots for the Patriots all night was on the Fighting Irish's first possession when Secatra Miller stopped a score with an interception at the 1-yard line and returned it to midfield. As the Patriots were forced to punt on each possession in the first half, they did suffer 2 turnovers during the half with a lost fumble and lost onside kick to see the halftime score go to 30-0 in favor of the Fighting Irish.
Winston's only other sign of life came at the end of their first possession to start the second half when a fake punt was successful and kept their drive alive at the St. Joseph 37-yard line. The offense continued to sputter as they again faced one of their many punting situations of the night. As the Fighting Irish then added the "running clock" score with 6 minutes remaining in the third quarter, it was only punts that the Patriots faced.
As the game entered the final quarter, St. Joseph sent the score to 44-0 as their original game starters remained on the field. It was not until 1 minute left in the game that they sent their clean uniform subs in for action while leading 44-0. As the clock ticked down to 20 seconds, it was at that point a final 32-yard field goal was successfully kicked by St. Joseph to end the game’s scoring at 47-0.
As Winston only produced 52 yards in total offense in the contest, Jett Joiner had the most positive yardage with 17 rushing yards. Secatra Miller had one reception from Joiner for 11 yards. St. Joseph finished the night with 490 total yards, broken down to 155 rushing and 335 passing.
The Winston defense saw Donnie Chunn as the tackling leader with 8 stops followed by Will Thompson with 5. Brady Lee, Carter McClelland, Bryce Clark, and Carson Watkins each recorded 3 stops while Secatra Miller pulled in an interception. So as the district action has arrived, the Patriots will host non-divisional opponent Wayne Jaguars this week at Patriot Field before finishing their schedule with district opponents Indianola and Carroll. Game time at Patriot Field is set for 7 p.m.
Patriots now face must-win games
By Robbie Faulk
Sports Writer
It was a disappointing game for Winston Academy on Friday night as the Patriots followed up a massive upset win over Starkville Academy by getting shut out 47-0 to Greenville St. Joseph.
It was just the first District 2-4A game of the season for the Patriots, but the Irish have already wrapped up a division championship having played their district games in the front end of the schedule. That means the last two weeks of the season are going to be must-win for the Patriots to seal up playoff hopes.
Before those last two weeks, though, WA will be playing a final non-conference game this week. The Wayne Academy Jaguars are coming to Louisville on Friday night and have a great history over the years with the Patriots.
This year, Wayne is 2-3 with losses to Simpson Academy, Heritage Academy, and Bowling Green nothing to be upset about. This is an important game for WA as the Patriots sit at 3-4 on the season and are needing every win they can get to not only make the playoffs, but position themselves the best they can through power points.
Coming into the game, Jett Joiner has 611 passing yards and three touchdowns on the year while rushing for 250 yards and seven scores. JT Mcginnis leads the squad with 21 catches for 370 yards and all three of those touchdowns. Donnie Chunn has 50 tackles on the year to lead WA on defense while Taylor Hudson paces them with 9.0 tackles for loss.
