Another week, another sweep for Simpson County Football. All three teams won again, and one is knocking on the door of a state championship. If you have been following my amateur analysis for the lst two weeks, then you would know I called this one. If you haven’t, then shame on you. Come by and see us for some back copies so you can catch up.
Either way, let’s start in the middle of the map this week. Simpson Academy is doing exactly what I expected them to do from the start of the season, and that is compete for a state championship. The Cougars had a tough task last week facing Copiah Academy. A touchdown with just over six minutes left in the game led to their winning 13-10 and moving on to face Oak Forest Academy this Friday for the State Championship. Carter Cockrell, Matt Adcock, Crosby Mullins, Barret McKenney, and the rest of the Cougars have been battle tested and are one win away. I believe they will get the job done and start a run on State Championships in Simpson County.
The Mendenhall Tigers also had a tough run and were able to get some payback against the Columbia Wildcats for their season opening loss. It was a satisfying win, avenging the loss and strengthening the Columbia Wildcats basketball team. However, the Tigers must remain focused because the road ahead will be against familiar opponents in Quitman and most likely Poplarville. The Tigers defeated Quitman 34-6 earlier in the season. They should feel comfortable going into this matchup but shouldn’t take it for granted. Quitman sneaked into the playoffs as a fourth seed and have somehow made it this far. If the Tigers stay the course and play their brand of football, there should be no issues. They can’t look ahead, but I can, and I am looking forward to that rematch against Poplarville after they take care of business this Friday.
The Trojans have been on a hot streak and have played up to their potential the past four weeks. It all started on the defensive side of the ball. The Trojans have emerged during this last quarter of the season and are ready for the second act of their revenge tour this Friday as they face off against the Hazlehurst Indians. As stated, two weeks prior Hazlehurst was the best game the Trojans played during the regular season, and it was a turning point for this team. The Trojans started to figure things out in the second half of that game. Here we are, five weeks later, and the Trojans have another shot at them. After making some tweaks along the offensive line last week the Trojan offense has been performing well. Tristian Newsome has elevated his level of play and it has shown in the play of his teammates. DQ Levy is coming off back-to-back big offensive performances, and the Trojan defense has scored a touchdown in consecutive weeks. The Indians are in for a rude awakening if they take the Trojans lightly. Magee will fight past Hazlehurst, setting the stage for the final act of the revenge tour against Raleigh next week.
Simpson County may be on the verge of a record setting season. We are possibly five wins away from three championships. Of course, there is still work to be done, but these talented teams are poised to do it.
