A successful Ethel football season came to an end with a 48-0 loss to a powerful Bay Springs team in the opening round of the MHSAA 1A playoffs.
“We had a good year,” said Coach Adams Smith, “Obviously going out in the first round of the playoffs is not what you want to do.”
He pointed out how far the program has come in his two years as coach, from winless in 2019 to two victories and a spot in the playoffs during last year's Covid-shortened season, to six wins this year — seven if you count a forfeit when McAdams couldn't play because the school was virtual due to a Covid outbreak at the time.
Ethel was 5-2 in Region 3-1A this year, finishing in a three-way tie for second with French Camp and Sebastopol. Because of point differential in games between the three teams, Ethel was seeded fourth and had to go on the road to face Bay Springs, the 4-1A winner.
Bay Springs broke the game open with 22 second-quarter points for a 30-0 lead at the half. The Bulldogs had 389 yards on the ground, led by Tyrick Jones with 14 carries for 259 yards, four touchdowns, and a two-point conversion.
Ethel had 72 yards on the ground and 56 through the air.
“We had a few bright spots,” Smith said. One of them was freshman Jaylen Estes, with two receptions for 56 yards, one each from Marcus Jones and Cyrus Rone.
“He made some big plays to keep the ball moving,” said the coach. “We're really excited for what he is going to be able to do for us in the future.”
It was pretty much the same team from a year ago.
“It speaks volumes for the kids we have that they were going to play hard. They were going to turn the program around and start winning, and they did.”
Region 4-1A won three of four against 3-1A. Taylorsville defeated French Camp and defending state champion Lumberton beat Sebastopol. 3-1A winner West Lowndes defeated Richton and will play Taylorsville Friday. Bay Springs plays Lumberton.
Smith said he expects Bay Springs to win the state title in the Bulldogs first year as a 1A school after dropping down from 2A.
Ethel players wear warmup shirts that say, “Hit 'em in the mouth” on the back and received a compliment from Bay Springs, according to Smith.
“One of the coaches came over and said 'You really live up to those shirts,’” Smith was told.
