The Simpson Academy Cougars wrapped up their regular season Friday night with a tough 35–12 loss to the Madison-Ridgeland Academy Patriots in Ridgeland.
Despite the defeat, the Cougars will advance to the MAIS Division 3 playoffs as the No. 4 seed and will host Brookhaven Academy this Friday in The Hole.
The loss dropped Simpson Academy to 3–7 on the season, but the record doesn’t tell the full story. Many of the Cougars’ setbacks came in close, hard-fought contests that were decided in the final minutes. Head coach and players alike have emphasized that those battles have helped prepare the team for the postseason.
Against MRA, the Cougars showed flashes of strong play on both sides of the ball but couldn’t keep pace with the Patriots’ explosive offense. Simpson’s defense forced key stops early, while the offense found the end zone twice in the second half.
Braxton Baldwin continued to show good chemistry with his favorite target this season, Kolt Walker, hitting him for a 28- yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. The Cougars ended the game with positive momentum after a forced fumble and scoop and score by Thomas Jones.
Now, Simpson turns its attention to the playoffs, where a new opportunity awaits. Hosting Brookhaven Academy gives the Cougars a chance to reset and make a statement to start their postseason run. The Cougars faced Brookhaven Academy in the regular season in a tight game that ended in a 38-34 loss.
With renewed focus and experience gained through a tough regular-season schedule, the Cougars are looking to set the tone early and make a push toward a Division 3 championship.
Kickoff against Brookhaven Academy is set for Friday night at 7 p.m. in The Hole.
