Choctaw County overcame a deficit once, but was unable to do so a second time in a 24-21 loss to Calhoun City on Friday night.
“It was another one that didn't go our way,” coach Jeff Roberts said after the Chargers' second straight loss dropped the record to 1-2. “We played hard. We had an opportunity to win. We made a few mistakes that need to get corrected. We turned the ball over a couple of times and we had some penalties that were unnecessary.”
The Chargers will be on the road again Friday against unbeaten East Webster in Cumberland. The Wolverines have beaten South Pontotoc 35-6, Shaw 23-12 and Vardaman 51-0.
Roberts said East Webster is big on the defensive line. “They look pretty physical on tape.”
East Webster is led by junior quarterback Steven Betts who has thrown for 240 yards and four touchdowns and run for 257 and one TD.
The Wolverines' defensive leader is sophomore linebacker Kobe Smith. He has 21 solo tackles, three assists, seven sacks and nine tackles for losses.
The defense has forced 10 turnovers -- six interceptions and four fumble recoveries.
On Friday night Calhoun City scored two first quarter touchdowns, both on runs, for a 12-0 lead. Choctaw County responded with two second quarter TDs for a 14-12 halftime lead on a 10-yard pass from Tylan Carter to Ques McNeal and a one-yard run by Calvin Talley.
But Calhoun City went back ahead 24-14 with two second half TDs. The Wildcats failed on all four conversions, two blocked kicks and a couple of two point attempts that came up short. Choctaw County also blocked a field goal attempt.
The Chargers made it 24-21 with four minutes left on a 54-yard pass from Carter to McNeal. An attempt at an onside kick failed. “We made a costly penalty and they were able to run out the clock,” Roberts said.
Choctaw County totaled 259 yards offense. Carter completed 10 of 17 passes for 130 yards and he was the team's leading runner with 18 carries for 79 yards. McNeal had three receptions for 58 yards and Trace Beard made all three PATs.
“Defensively, that unit played really well,” Roberts said.
