McAdams closed out the regular season on a high note with a 30-0 victory over homestanding Ray Brooks. The victory clinched a 1A playoff spot for the Bulldogs. Next up is a first round game Friday at Lumberton.
“I was pleased. I think we dominated the game,” said coach Kenneth Nelson.
Indeed, the Bulldogs were so dominant that the game was played with a running clock, starting during the second quarter.
“It was a little bit because of the cold. And it was obvious we were the better team,” Nelson said of the decision to use a running clock. “At the end of the day I can respect that. You don't want to demoralize the kids.”
McAdams did all its scoring in the first half. Johnatvis Rimmer and Tomone Bailey each ran for two touchdowns. The Bulldogs were successful on runs for three two-point conversions, twice by Jalen Perteet and once by Tavion Rimmer.
The first TD, a 27-yard run by Johnatvis Rimmer, was set up when McKyle Riley returned the opening kickoff 45 yards into Ray Brooks territory.
The defense was led by linebackers Tavion Rimmer with 10 tackles and Perteet with eight tackles. “They were lights out,” Nelson said.
McAdams finished the regular season 6-5 and fourth in Region 3-1A with a 5-3 record.
Lumberton is a traditional power in 1A football. The Panthers are 9-3 and won 4-1A with an 8-0 record. The losses came against West Marion, one of the top teams in 3A with an 11-1 record, Bay Springs, a 2A power with a 9-3 mark, and undefeated Faith Academy of Mobile. The Panthers outscored their eight region rivals 373-60 and won every game by at least 25 points.
“Looking at them on tape, they are good at what they do,” Nelson said. “They like to run the football. They have a real good receiver (K'nylan Willis). He can catch the ball anywhere on the field.”
Willis averages 25.5 yards per reception, with 23 for 586 yards and six touchdowns.
The Lumberton offense begins with quarterback Robert Henry, who has totaled 2,099 yards and 31 TDs running and passing. “I saw on film he threw the dadgum ball 67 yards in the air. He has a cannon,” Nelson said.
Lumberton is the second ranked team in 1A, behind defending state champion Nanih Waiya, according to the website MaxPreps, and is the favorite to reach the championship game from the South.
In order to stay in the game, Nelson said the Bulldogs need to run the ball effectively. “We have to get first downs and we have to not turn the all over,” he said. “If we play like we played the last three games, we have a chance.”
McAdams won its last three games against Simmons, Coffeeville and Ray Brooks.
