Knights look to build on 2003 success
By By Marty Stamper/EMG sports assistant
July 23, 2004
The West Lauderdale Knights enjoyed their best season on the gridiron since 1984 last fall with a 9-3 showing that saw them reach the second round of the Class 3A state playoffs, where they lost 25-6 at Collins.
West defeated Purvis 32-14 in the opening round of the playoffs.
The Knights hope to build on that success this fall, but it won't come easy in a league that has 2003 Class 3A South State runner-up Forest, traditional power Newton County and the always talented Carthage Tigers. Choctaw Central, Morton and Southeast Lauderdale each have new head coaches who will be trying to get their teams in the mix for a playoff berth come November.
The Knights open their 2004 season at Clarkdale on Aug. 26. West won last year's game 19-7 when the series resumed following a six-year layoff.
West hosts Philadelphia on Sept. 3. The Tornadoes won last year's contest 7-6 when a last second field goal bid by the Knights was blocked.
Enterprise comes to Collinsville on Sept. 10. West beat the Bulldogs 21-0 last fall.
In last year's easiest win, the Knights blanked Choctaw Central 28-0. West visits Choctaw this fall with the game slated for Sept. 17.
One of Division 5-3A's key games will be on Sept. 24 when the Knights travel to Decatur to take on Newton County. West rolled to a 31-14 win last year to snap the Cougars' four-year reign as division champs.
On Oct. 1, the Knights host Southeast Lauderdale for the 44th game in that Lauderdale County series. West won 14-6 last year to take a 22-20-1 series advantage.
On Oct. 8, West goes to Newton. The Knights took a 3-0 overtime win over the Tigers last year in a game played on an extremely soggy field in Collinsville.
The Knights return to league play with a pair of home games against Scott County schools Forest and Morton on Oct. 15 and 22. Forest spoiled the Knights' division title hopes with a 21-10 victory last year. West nipped Morton 31-30 the following week.
The Knights wrap up regular season play on Oct. 29 at Carthage. West knocked off the Tigers 24-13 last fall.
