A fourth quarter touchdown enabled McAdams to move one step closer to the MHSAA Class 1A State Football Playoffs with a 14-6 victory over Coffeeville on Friday night.
McAdams took a 6-0 lead on a three-yard TD run by Jalen Perteet that capped a drive on the game’s opening possession. Coffeeville made it 6-6 with a second quarter touchdown and the score remained tied until the fourth quarter.
A 44-yard run by Tayveon Rimmer set up a 17-yard scoring run by Tromone Bailey with 8:43 left in the game. Bailey followed with a run for a two point conversion to make it 14-6.
Coffeeville had two final possessions. The first ended with an interception by Johnatvis Rimmer. A fumble gave Coffeeville one final opportunity, but the clock ran out on the Pirates.
“We fought hard the whole game,” said coach Kenneth Nelson.
The Bulldogs managed 223 yards, all on the ground, led by Tayveon Rimmer with six carries for 76 yards. Bailey led the defense with 12 tackles, including three sacks. Tayveon Rimmer was credited with 12 tackles and Li’Karius Ward with nine, three for losses.
With one week left in the regular season, McAdams could finish third, fourth or fifth in the nine-team Region 3-1A. The top four qualify for the playoffs beginning Nov. 15.
One thing is certain – the Bulldogs must beat Ray Brooks Friday to make the playoffs.
Leflore County, with a 7-1 region record, and West Bolivar (6-1) are assured of making the playoffs as the region's top two seeds. Leflore County has finished its region schedule. As the result of a victory over Leflore County, West Bolivar can claim the top seed with a win over Simmons Friday.
Coffeeville (2-5), Ray Brooks (1-6) and Ethel (0-7) will not make the playoffs.
The leaves four teams – McAdams, Simmons, Shaw and West Tallahatchie – each 4-3 fighting for the final two playoff spots. McAdams lost to West Tallahatchie, but has victories against Shaw and Simmons.
Shaw plays Ethel and West Tallahatchie plays Coffeeville.
The only way McAdams would not make the playoffs with a victory over Ray Brooks would be if West Tallahatchie and Simmons win their games and Shaw suffered an upset loss to Ethel, leaving the Bulldogs in a three-way tie for third with West Tallahatchie and Simmons. McAdams would be the odd man out in fifth place as a result of point differential in games between the three teams.
If all four teams win, West Tallahatchie would be third and McAdams fourth. The Bulldogs could take third with a victory if West Tallahatchie is beaten by Coffeeville.
But third or fourth, the Bulldogs would have to open the playoffs on the road against a team from Region 4-1A in South Mississippi.
Ray Brooks is 1-7, the only win coming against Ethel. The Tigers are coming off a 26-14 loss to Shaw. “They have the ability to score. That’s the concern I have,” Nelson said.
