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Colton Neal (10) carries for Marshall versus Indianola after taking the handoff from Walker Sanders (5). Blocking for the Patriots is Noah Smith (63).

Marshall will kick off season Friday

A football jamboree Friday served its purpose for the Marshall Academy Patriots, according to head coach Tony Banks.

“It showed us what we need to work on,” he said.

And he knows his squad will have to iron out those things quickly. MA kicks off a new season this Friday in Batesville versus North Delta. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

“We have a lot of work to be done,” Banks said. “But at the same time, we had some questions answered in the jamboree, and we saw some positives.”

The Patriots lost 12-6 to Indianola Academy and tied Washington School 0-0. The jamboree was also played at North Delta. Marshall’s only touchdown came

from the defense, when Rusty Bolden picked off a pass and returned it about 50 yards to the end zone.

“We only ran five offensive plays in the jamboree,” he said. “We didn’t want to show a lot.

“We mainly wanted to see how our guys would respond. We have a lot of young guys, and some guys who have never even played football before.

“We went over a checklist of what we wanted to see. For us, that was more important than winning in the jamboree.”

He said the offensive line held its own and played better than expected, and some backs really ran the ball well.

Defensively, he said the linebackers played a lot better in the second game versus Washington.

“We have to continue to make progress and come together as a team — game by game,” Banks said. “We just need to play and get better.”

They get to play “for real” Friday with the road trip back to Panola County to face the Green Wave.

“North Delta is going to be really good up front,” Banks said. “They’re always a tough opponent, and this season will be no different. We have to have a good week of preparation.”

After going to North Delta, the Patriots visit East Rankin Academy at Pelahatchie on Friday, Aug. 21. Their first home game is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 4, versus Myrtle High School.

Holly Springs South Reporter

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