Byhalia knocks off cross-county foe

It’s long been said that “football games are won and lost in the trenches.” Byhalia Head Coach Reginald Davis gives credit where credit’s due after his team’s second straight victory.

“On offense, our interior linemen, led by Mike Lewis, Carson Dean and Lankston Berry, took over and led the way,” he said. “Without them, we would not be able to the things we are doing, and that’s what I’m most-proud of.”

The Indians knocked off Potts Camp 28-14 Friday night in the first-ever high school football game between the two Marshall County schools. It’s also the first two-game win streak for Byhalia since the 2021 season.

“We had key injuries on our second and third levels on defense,” said Davis, in his first year as the chief of the Indians. “That allowed our younger guys to get reps and gain some experience. I’m happy that our aggression level is increasing each week, but I’m not satisfied.”

Byhalia’s C.J. Wilson rushed for 125 yards and three touchdowns. Tyler Perkins added 45 yards on the ground and one touchdown. The Indians had a 45-yard touchdown run by Aaron Jeffries called back for holding.

Defensively, JuJu Porter picked off a pass and had another interception nullified by a roughing-the-passer penalty.

“The more we compete in the trenches will determine the type of season we have moving forward,” Davis said.

For the Cardinals, Jeffrey Curry carried 16 times for 141 yards and a touchdown. Tylan Love had 10 rushes for 70 yards and Malachi Brownlee nine for 53. J.T. Wilson was 16 of 20 passing for 212 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Braxton Totten had 11 receptions for 179 yards and a score. Potts Camp had four turnovers in the loss.

Byhalia (2-2) will visit rival Holly Springs this Friday night. The Hawks are 0-4 after a 53-0 loss to Memphis Southwind last week, and it will be their homecoming game.

Potts Camp (1-3) will host Coffeeville Friday night for homecoming. The Pirates are 0-4, coming off a 38-16 loss to Bruce last week.