Simpson Academy opened the home portion of the 2023 season by welcoming the Hartfield Hawks to The Hole last Friday night.
The Cougars held a 4 win to 2 loss all-time record against Hartfield coming into the game, but Hartfield was bringing into the game with Simpson one of the most talented MAIS rosters in the state. The Hawks have many players on their roster already sporting Division 1 scholarship offers so the Cougars knew they would have their hands full Friday night, and they certainly did.
The first quarter was really competitive and saw both teams score a touchdown. The Cougar score came first in the contest when quarterback Barrett McKenney hit receiver Parker Pinkerton for a 9 yard touchdown pass. The extra point by Parker Pierce was good, and we were all tied up after one quarter of play.
The second quarter saw Hartfield put two more touchdowns on the board, giving the Hawks a 21-7 lead going into halftime.
The 3rd quarter saw the Hawks extend their lead with two touchdowns, but the Cougars kept fighting and on a quick hitting dive play off tackle, running back Hayes Berry broke free in the secondary and took it the distance for a 76 yard touchdown for the Cougars. The extra point by Pierce was good and the score stood at 35-14 Hawks. Hartfield added one more score in the third quarter to extend their lead to 41-14 at the end of three.
The 4th quarter saw both teams score one more touchdown with the Cougars coming on a 3 yard touchdown run by powerful running back Benjamin Kennedy. The try for 2 was good with McKenney hitting Hayes Berry on the pass in the end zone. The final score read 48-22 for the Hartfield Hawks, but the score didn’t tell the whole story of how competitive the Cougars played.
The improvement for game two was tremendous and the team in red fought their tails off the entire ballgame against a very talented football team. We should remember that the Cougars lost 20 seniors from last year’s football team, and this year they only have four senior football players. It will take a little time, but if they continue to work hard and play like they did Friday night they will get better and better each week.
It doesn’t get any easier for the Cougars next Friday as they will host the ACCS Rebels from Natchez. ACCS is another team with tons of talent that’s off to a fast start this year as well. I have no doubt the Cougars will work hard this week and be up to the challenge next Friday! Game time is 7 p.m. and I hope to see you there!
