Vina, Tharptown play in jamboree

Tharptown’s Tristen Smith runs for a touchdown against Vina in their spring jamboree game on Friday. Photo by Bart Moss.

By Bart Moss

For the FCT

Vina High School hosted a spring football jamboree Friday night with New Site (Miss.) High School and cross-county rival Tharptown High School.

The game format was three 15-minute games with a running clock, which allowed each team just two possessions.

In game one, New Site defeated Vina 8-0. In game two, New Site defeated Tharptown 6-0. In game three, Tharptown defeated Vina 8-0.

The format and the fact that teams have only had two weeks of practice time and ran very basic offenses and defenses doesn’t allow much evaluation.

Tharptown coach Bill Smith and Vina coach James Pharr were able to make some brief assessments of their teams performances.

“I was pleased with how our guys came out and competed,” Smith said.

“We got burnt on a series against New Site when we had some younger players in the game. Every kid got to play tonight. That was important to get everyone some experience.

“We’ve had a good spring and a good attitude. Now we can take a break and get ready for next season later this summer.”

This was Vina’s first time to be able to play against a full squad.

“Our numbers are low and this is the first time we’ve played against a full defense,” Pharr said.

“We had two 2A teams in here and hope it gets our guys ready for next season.

“We are proud to have a program and give these guys some good teachable moments that will help the grow into good, young men.”