Indians off to 2-0 start

Coach John Danley likes the early-season progress of his Byhalia football team.

“No doubt about it,” he said.

His Indians went on the road Friday night and beat Coahoma County 28-7. They’re off to a 2-0 start.

But he knows the schedule only gets tougher, starting this week with Center Hill.

“We have to keep improving,” Danley said.

In Clarksdale versus Coahoma County, the Indians built a 21-0 lead at the half.

Lataryl Daughtery scored on a 3-yard run. Dequan Moore completed 47- and 25-yard touchdown passes to Terrance Davis and Jacoreion Crockett, respectively. Daniel Williams kicked all three extra points.

In the second half, the defense produced points. Yaphat Hearn returned a fumble 42 yards for the score, and Williams added the kick.

The Red Panthers avoided the shutout with a late touchdown and extra point.

“Defensively, I thought we played well,” Danley said.

Tyrek Smith picked off two passes and Davis one.

Offensively, he said his team is making too many mistakes, even though the Indians scored four touchdowns in its season-opening win over Holly Springs and four versus Coahoma County.

“We’re scoring additional points but getting them called back because of dumb penalties,” he said. “To be a successful football team, we have to minimize our mistakes. Taking points off the board against a very good football team will be costly. We cannot shoot ourselves in the foot.”

This Friday night the Class 4A Indians will host the Class 5A Mustangs from neighboring DeSoto County. Center Hill is 1-1, coming off a 9-6 loss to Collierville, Tenn.

“Center Hill is a tough team – a big test for us,” Danley said.