French Camp Academy had the second half blues again Friday in a 23-0 loss to Starkville Academy.
“It was a good first half, but like last week, I don't know if we were just wearing out,” said coach Nathan Wright.
The Panthers trailed 6-0 at the half, then were outscored 17-0 after intermission. A week earlier in the season opener, French Camp led Winona Christian 24-14 at the half, but was outscored 20-0 in the second half of a 34-24 defeat.
“We pretty much have everyone going both ways and doing everything. I think that's a big factor,” Wright said. “We played well in the first half. In the second half we missed some reads and some some keys. We got sloppy and it got away from us.”
Starkville Academy (1-1) scored a touchdown on the opening possession of the game. The Volunteers added two touchdowns and a field goal in the second half. The first TD came while Bradley Edwards was on the sidelines.
“I took my middle linebacker out for a rest and they scored on a 49-yard run,” Wright said.
The Panthers managed only 94 yards of offense.
“We have to get better in what we do. We have to polish things up. We're making too many mistakes to win,” Wright said. “I think the pieces are there. We just have a lot of new guys who are going the wrong way. Those are hings we need to get right before we get into division play.”
French Camp will be on the road Friday against Eupora, a 2A school. Eupora is also 0-2, but the losses were to two strong teams, Winona 28-6 and Noxapater 32-15. Eupora won last year's matchup 48-17.
The Panthers will begin Region 2-1A play Sept. 7 with a home game against Vardaman.
