Cardinals, Lions move to quarterfinals

After winning the first two games of the Mississippi High School Activities Association playoffs Potts Camp High School and H.W. Byers High School advanced to the quarterfinals to meet the next opponent, only needing three more wins to complete their journey for the championship.

Despite the team’s hot streak, Potts Camp coach Allen Ball thinks his Cardinals still have work to do.

“The approach is the same as always–execute and compete nonstop,” Ball said. “At this point in the season there isn’t anything we haven’t seen. It’s all going to come down to executing and competing. The last two weeks have given us some good momentum leading into the third round because we played some good competition and won games where I didn’t think we played our best in those contests.”

Ball said the next challenge is a big one.

“We are ready and thankful for the opportunity,” Ball said.

H.W. Byers coach Fred Stafford said he feels each round gets more and more critical.

“Our approach is to finish what we started. Continue to play hard, take it one game at a time,” Stafford said. “I know, being from the northeastern part of state, that Baldwyn High School will be well prepared.”

Stafford said that Baldwin is always a contender in the playoffs.

“We are confident in what we do, but at the same time we must execute,” Stafford said.

The quarterfinals will be held at Itawamba Community College. The Potts Camp Cardinals verses Biggersville High School will be held Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. and H.W. Byers verses Baldwyn High School, will be held Feb. 22 at 8:30 p.m.