A big first half that included two long range touchdowns propelled Kosciusko to a 31-14 victory over Northeast Lauderdale, assuring that the Whippets will finish no worse than third in Region 4-4A.
Kosciusko led 24-0 at the half, but needed a late TD to clinch the victory after two Trojan second half TDs cut the deficit to 24-14.
“Like last week we had a good first half, got out to an early lead,” coach Casey Orr said. “But we got complacent and didn't put a team away.” A week earlier, the Whippets defeated Leake Central 21-0, but failed to score the second half.
The first two TDs came on plays from beyond midfield, a pass from Caden Greer to Lee Wade and a run by Eli Kemp. Thomas Olive ran for the Whippets' other two TDs and Alexis Hernandez booted a 34-yard field goal and three PATs.
Kosciusko averaged nearly 8 yards every time the ball was snapped, with 274 yards on 41 plays. Greer completed only three passes, but they were good for 100 yards, including two for 95 yards to Wade.
A balanced running attack with three players over 50 yards totaled 174 yards on 29 carries, six yards per carry. Kemp had seven carries for 65 yards, Greer six for 57 and Olive 14 for 52.
Jaquavous Pace led the defensive effort from his cornerback position with six tackles, one for a loss, and four passes defended. Reggie Carter had eight tackles, three for losses, Tavion Clayton eight tackles with a sack.
Kosciusko is 7-2 and more importantly, 3-1 in region play.
The final regular season game will be on the road against Louisville, the state's second ranked 4A team according to the website MaxPreps. The Wildcats are 8-1, the only loss by one point to 6A power Starkville, and 4-0 in 4-4A. The four wins are by a combined score of 172-33, including 40-15 against West Lauderdale, the team that beat Kosciusko 27-0.
“They are a good football team,” Orr said. “Offensively, they have gotten better since they changed quarterbacks. Defensively, they are fast and they get after you.” The defense has four shutouts.
The quarterback is senior Keyarrion Jackson. “He throws the ball really well. That's something they were lacking. He runs well too,” Orr said.
Louisville leads the region with Kosciusko and West Lauderdale tied for second, a game back at 3-1. West Lauderdale finishes up against Northeast Lauderdale.
The top four teams from 4-4A will play teams from 3-4A in the Delta when the 4A playoffs begin November 4, with the top two at home. Kosciusko can get the top seed with a victory over Louisville, combined with a Northeast Lauderdale upset of West Lauderdale. But if West Lauderdale wins, Kosciusko would need to defeat Louisville by at least 12 points to have a chance at a home game.
This week's games for 4A will be on Thursday.
