MA shows ‘resolve’ in playoff win
The Marshall Academy Patriots turned a week of adversity into a dominant win in the first round of the Class 3A Division II state football playoffs.
Playing without their head coach and forced to go on the road last Friday night, they responded by crushing Central Hinds 40-7 in Raymond, three hours and 15 minutes from Holly Springs. MA improved to 9-2 on the season.
“I’m impressed with the resolve of our kids, to go out and play as hard as they played,” interim head coach Bart Jenkins said. “I’m so proud of our kids and so proud of our school.”
After a 53-6 loss in the regular season finale October 31 at Washington School, in which Marshall chose not to play several starters, the Mid-South Association of Independent Schools levied sanctions on MA. According to an official MAIS committee report, MA refused to run a play the entire second half, despite multiple warnings from the officials to resume normal play. The officials ultimately declared a forfeit in the fourth quarter, the report says. The MAIS said it was clear violation of the association’s Sportsmanship Creed. Head coach Chris Bunio was suspended for the entirety of the playoffs, and the Patriots were prohibited from hosting a post-season game.
“This is Coach Bunio’s football team,” Jenkins said after the playoff victory last week. “He has done a terrific job of developing these kids. He has put them in a position to be successful.
“And Wesley Harris (assistant coach/defensive coordinator) has gone above and beyond in a difficult situation. Coach Harris’ leadership has been outstanding.”
It was important for the Patriots to strike early in round one, and they erupted for a 25- 0 first-quarter lead over Central Hinds. Touchdowns came on two pass plays from Conner Floyd to Devin Snow, one for 60 yards and another for 10, Floyd’s 4-yard run and a 15- yard scoring toss from Floyd to Savion McGhee. Trace Fox kicked an extra point after the first score.
Floyd cashed in a 40-yard quarterback keeper in the second quarter, and Fox added the point-after.
Jase Akins concluded the Patriots’ scoring in the third quarter with a 50-yard interception return. K.J. Luse tallied the two-point conversion.
The Cougars’ lone touchdown came in the fourth quarter.
“Our defense played extremely well – very fast and physical,” Jenkins said. “Wesley (Harris) had them ready to play. Offensively, we came out of the starting gate focused, and we spread the ball around. The kids were excited to play, and they played very well. Our offensive line is continuing to get better. I thought this was one of the better games they’ve played.”
Next up for the Patriots in the state semi-finals is a shorter road trip to Rossville Christian Academy in neighboring Tennessee. The Patriots defeated the Wolves 36-0 a few weeks ago in the regular season. Rossville routed Bowling Green School 49-7 in round one. The Marshall-Rossville winner will play the Adams County Christian School- Wayne Academy winner for the Class 3A Division II state title on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 20, at Jackson Academy. *This is the first year of the MAIS two-tier playoff system in 3A.
“Playing Rossville again, and this time on their home field, will be a big challenge,” Jenkins said. “I know our kids will continue to play hard.”
Jenkins said he wanted to step in and contribute after Bunio’s suspension. The former MA coach led the Patriots to back-to-back football state championship games in 2012 and 2013.
“I just couldn’t sit around and do nothing,” he said. “I wanted to help. I wanted to make myself available for these players and this coaching staff. It’s Marshall; we’re a family. I encourage all of the Patriot family to come out and support us Friday night at Rossville.”