Kosciusko defensive tackle Davonta Turner generated just enough height on a late fourth-quarter jump to block a Newton County field goal attempt. Turner’s block not only changed the trajectory of the Newton County kick, but it also sealed the Whippets’ first victory of the season.
Kosciusko earned a 14-13 win last Friday night in Decatur to move to 1-1.
“It was good for us to win a close one,” Kosciusko coach Kelly Causey said. “Last week, we had one that kind of slipped away from us because we let them score right before the half and there at the end of the game. I was very proud of the effort and the want that the kids had.”
Kosciusko led 7-6 at halftime before a third-quarter special teams miscue erased the lead. Kosciusko attempted a punt with 2:13 remaining in the third period and the football sailed over the Whippets punter’s head and landed in the end zone. Newton County recovered the football for the touchdown and took a 13-7 lead after the successful extra-point kick.
Whippet running back Kentaveus Washington settled in the backfield with 9:32 left in the game as Kosciusko trailed by one point. He gathered the handoff from quarterback Ethan Wood and powered through the teeth of his offensive line for a 2-yard touchdown run. Cody Pope’s extra-point kick pushed Kosciusko ahead 14-13.
Washington finished with two touchdowns and 81 yards rushing on 20 carries. He opened the night’s scoring with a 5-yard run with 6:02 left in the first quarter. Washington was thrust into the starting role after injuries to Zavier Miller and Duntavies Fondren, but he has since established himself as a reliable starter.
“He’s been a very pleasant surprise this year and we’ve always had faith that he could do what he’s doing,” Causey said. “He got the opportunity, and he took advantage of it. He’s having a great year and we’re hoping it continues. He’s the type of kid who works hard and does everything he needs to do. Once his time was called to go out there, he’s done a great job.”
Kosciusko defense did not yield a touchdown to Newton County. The Cougars got their scores via two first-half field goals and with the help of Kosciusko’s botched punt. Kosciusko linebacker Ethan Dawson accumulated a team-high eight tackles. Jaquarius Thomas (defensive tackle), Devonte Ellis (linebacker) and Turner finished with one sack apiece. Kosciusko produced its second multi-sack game of the season.
Davion Roby (cornerback) recorded an interception for the Whippets.
“Any time your defense doesn’t give up a touchdown, it’s a good night for you,” Causey said. “We put on a good bit of weight and strength over the offseason and that’s helped. We changed our philosophy on defense ourselves as a coaching staff.”
Kosciusko quarterback Ethan Wood was 8 of 16 passing for a season-high 89 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Wide receiver Antonio Harmon recorded four catches for 61 yards. Harmon had a touchdown called back for the second consecutive week. Tra Toliver had nine carries for 49 yards. The Whippets generated 203 yards of offense in their new spread attack.
“Antonio’s had three touchdowns called back over the last two weeks,” Causey said. “The stats don’t show exactly what he’s contributed, but he’s definitely doing a great job. They’re getting on the same page. This is a process — we’ve changed to a new offense — so we’re adapting to that. I think we’re getting better week to week.”
The Whippets host 2-0 Winona this week. Winona defeated Kosciusko 53-13 last year in the regular-season finale.
“We’re expecting to take the momentum we have from this big victory into Friday night’s game,” Causey said. “They beat us pretty good at the end of the year last season at our place and they have to come to us this year. We’re excited about the opportunity. They’re 2-0 and have a good ball club with an Ole Miss commit, I believe, at quarterback. The thing about Winona is they always play extremely hard.”
