Cross-county rivalry • Indians dominate Hawks; both teams 2-2


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Cross-county rivalry
• Indians dominate Hawks; both teams 2-2

By CLAUDE VINSON
Sports Editor

Photo by Barry Burleson

Byhalia’s Devonte Norman battles for extra yardage with some blocking help from Justin Washington, Davion Johnson, Edwin Jones and Michael Tadlock. Holly High’s Kordairus Crane reaches Norman first with Tevin Jones, Tyjae Jones, Johnston Smith, William Talley and Anthony Jones looking to help.

One of the perennial rivalries was taken up once again Friday night when Byhalia hosted Holly Springs for supremacy between 3A Marshall County teams.

The Indians were over the ball first with Markeise Rodgers under center after a decent return by Andrey Collins. The offense stalled, however, so they had to punt on fourth and 15. There was no working clock due to an electrical malfunction, so time was being kept on the field.

Jaleyonne Young fielded the punt but there was a penalty against the Hawks, and after a lengthy discussion among officials, the Indians were allowed to repeat fourth down. Two plays later Rodgers linked with Kenneth Wilson, who faked out defenders and put it down at the Holly High 32. Devonte Norman then moved it inside the red zone to the 16. Byhalia lost ground and had to attempt a field goal which came up short on distance.

Photos by Barry Burleson

Tevin Jones (3) of Holly High looks for more yardage as Byhalia’s DeAndre Buchanan (8) goes for the tackle.

Holly High’s Diondre Dockery took a pass for a first down. The Hawks went to a fourth and 12. The punt snap was botched and Byhalia took over on the Hawks’ 21. Rodgers missed the first aerial to Collins. Rodgers tried the same play down the left side, this time 29 yards to DeAndre Buchanan, who hit paydirt. Juan Hernandez booted the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

After the kickoff, Holly High was awarded a first down on a “roughing the passer’ call. But again the Hawks’ offense stalled and they had to punt it away as the quarter ended 7-0.

The Indians had to punt and Norman sent it all the way to the Hawks’ 28. The Hawks tried but still went out on downs.

Byhalia’s Keenen Jones (6) is pulled down by Tevin Jones of Holly Springs.

Collins broke out of the backfield on Byhalia’s next possession for 19 yards and a first down. Norman took it, cut left and placed it inside the red zone. This time Collins would not be stopped on his way to the goal line from 17 yards away. Another Hernandez kick made it 14-0. The Indians had used a mixture of plays to score.

Holly High was having difficulty getting through the Indian defense. The Hawks had to punt from about the 15.

Shortly thereafter, Norman scored by outracing two would-be defenders for 49 yards and six points. After an offside penalty was assessed, the Indians’ Hernandez tacked on another point to make it 21-0.

Holly High had to give it up again at the two-minute mark. Then the Indians received a double penalty which put them in a 20-yard hole. Byhalia couldn’t dig out and turned it over at the 46. The half ended with the Indians in control at 21-0.

The Hawks received but a flag came in. Unsportsmanlike conduct backed them up 15 yards. They moved the chains with an aerial but did not complete the next attempts and punted to the Byhalia 32.

The Indians picked up a couple of first downs on their next series but had to back pedal because of penalties. They lined up and Hernandez kicked a 33-yard field goal to make it 24-0.

Danny Crumb was still calling plays for the Hawks and they had to punt on their next series.

Justin Washington was on the receiving end of a swing pass from Rodgers. Collins then put the home team on the 4 and the Indians’ Terence Phinisee pushed it in from there. The kick was again successful and the score was 31-0 as the quarter ended.

Norman would score again on a 3-yard run to make it 38-0 after Hernandez’ kick.

With the clock running down, the Indians called time but it worked in the Hawks’ favor. The Indians had backed the visitors deep in their end zone but roughed the kicker, an automatic first down. Ben Scruggs picked up a first with a long run. He repeated it a play later and avoided the shutout with the score. Holly High went for two but to no avail.

Putting the squeeze on Holly High ball carrier Danny Crumb are Indians Terence Phinisee, Mondrekus Green, Curtis Akins and DeAndre Buchanan.

The Indians had claimed the bragging rights at 38-6. It was their fourth straight win over the Hawks.

Coach John Danley of Byhalia named running back Norman as the Indians’ most valuable player for the game.

Coach Chris Rankin selected defensive end Calvin Jeffries as the Hawks’ MVP. He said the sophomore played against Byhalia Dandy Dozen lineman Davion Johnson (who has committed to Ole Miss) and finished with three solo tackles, two assists and one quarterback hurry. He also played tackle on offense.

Both teams are 2-2 on the season and Holly High will host Coahoma AHS this Friday, while Byhalia will be home to Coahoma County on the same date.

It will be homecoming for both schools.

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