NCHS faces NCHS in Decatur Friday
By By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
Sept. 19, 2002
For only the second time, Newton County and Neshoba Central will clash on the gridiron Friday night at Cougars Stadium in Decatur. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
The Cougars won the only previous meeting 24-10 last year.
Newton County comes in with a 3-0 mark after last week's 30-10 victory at Morton. The Rockets of Neshoba are 0-3 following last week's 25-7 loss to Philadelphia.
Against Philadelphia, Neshoba was outgained 305-183 in total yards with the Rockets rushing for only 74 yards on 36 carries.
The Cougars rushed for 274 yards and had 320 total yards at Morton. Josh Avant led the defense with 11 tackles (two for a loss), two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Darryl Mapp leads the Cougars in scoring with five touchdowns. Mapp, David Fielder, Colby Amis, and Ken Windham all scored a touchdown at Morton.
Newton at Forest
The Tigers hit the road for the fourth straight week when they travel to Forest for Friday's contest at L.O. Atkins Field. Newton lost a 20-13 overtime scrap at Ackerman last week.
Leading the Newton offense are quarterback Ladarrian Blaylock, wide receiver Coshune Bingham, and running backs Travaone Evans and Cornelius Caraway.
Newton edged the Bearcats 26-22 last year.
Pelahatchie at Lake
Off to an 0-3 start, the Hornets of Lake host defending Class 1A state champion Pelahatchie at Death Valley in Region 3-1A action.
Pelahatchie defeated Pisgah 21-6 last week to even its record at 1-1. Lake lost 27-20 at Union.
The Hornets did find a passing game as Joseph Hunt completed 9-of-22 tosses for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Danny Towner caught six passes for 65 yards, while Willie Hickmon had two catches for 18 yards and Ivon Hickmon had one reception for 27 yards.
Lake had not scored in regulation against Newton or Scott Central.
Pelahatchie won the 2001 contest by a 38-0 margin. Since Lake revived its football program in 1963, Pelahatchie holds a 16-10-1 advantage in the series.
Union at Thomastown
Union won 32-6 last year in the only previous meeting between the two. The Yellowjackets, 1-2, knocked off Lake 27-20 last week as Anthony Johnson ran 17 times for 186 yards and two touchdowns. Leading the Union defense with 12 tackles was Zach Robinson.
The Bulldogs, 2-1, bit Edinburg often last week in taking a 39-7 win over the Eagles. Robinson threw touchdown tosses of 66 and 35 yards to Dameon Brown and also scored on an 18-yard run. Brown has a Region 3-1A-best six touchdowns to his credit already.
Wayne Academy at
Newton Academy
Two teams coming off being shut out tangle Friday at Decatur as Wayne lost 35-0 to Oak Forest of Amite, La., last week, while Newton took a 47-0 whipping from Heidelberg Academy.
The Generals have not scored in their last two outings.
Wayne has won the last eight games in the series to take a 26-4 all-time advantage over NCA. The Jaguars rolled to a 41-14 win last year.
