Playing a 2A school was no problem for McAdams. The Bulldogs fell behind Loyd Star early, then dominated for a 36-7 victory.
Loyd Star took a 7-0 first quarter lead on a quarterback sneak by Stephen Mills. The first of Tromone Bailey’s two TD runs made it 7-6 and the Bulldogs went ahead for good in the second quarter on a two-yard run by quarterback Johntavis Rimmer.
Jalen Perteet had a 45-yard TD run for McAdams, MeKyle Riley ran 75 yards with a fumble recovery and Li’Karius Ward tackled Mills in the end zone of a safety. That was one of two sacks by Ward.
“I thought we did a good job responding to their physicality. I was pleased with that,” coach Kenneth Nelson said. “We’re continuing to improve. Our conditioning is getting better. The guys are learning what it takes to win.”
The Bulldogs ran for 291 yards, led by Bailey with 13 carries for 166 yards, Rimmer had three completions for 55 yards as McAdams outgained Loyd Star 346-94. Eric Birch produced most of Loyd Star’s offense with 22 carries for 78 yards.
Tavion Bailey had a strong all around game for McAdams. He was credited with 22 tackles from his middle linebacker position, carried six times for 26 yards and caught a 40-yard pass from his cousin Johnrtavis Rimmer.
McAdams is 2-3 with two straight victories and 1-0 in Region 3-1A. The Bulldogs will be on the road Friday with a region game against Leflore County at Itta Bena.
Leflore County dropped down from 2A this year due to MHSAA reclassification. The Tigers are 1-3, but 1-1 in the region. After losses to Greenwood, Amanda Elzy and West Bolivar, Leflore County defeated Shaw 12-6 last week.
“They have size. They have some great athletes,” Nelson said. “It’s going to be another physical game.”
