The “second season” gets started for Leflore County and Amanda Elzy as both teams begin district play this week.
The Tigers and Panthers are both coming off wins last week. Leflore knocked off Gentry 8-6, while Elzy defeated J.Z. George 42-6.
-Leflore County hosts O’Bannon — The Tigers start defense of their Region 4-2A title as they entertain the Green Waves of O’Bannon High School.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Marcellus Singleton Stadium in Itta Bena.
“The O’Bannon coach and I have talked recently, and he says he will have his club ready to go,” said Leflore County head coach Eric House, who led his team to a 52-0 win over the Green Waves last season.
“They have a young team, but O’Bannon has always been known for having athletes. For us to repeat as district champions, we can’t take anyone for granted. We are going to get their best shot, and we have to be ready to play well. We aren’t taking anyone for granted.”
The Tigers are off to a 3-1 start after beating Gentry in a hard-fought contest. They got the win when the Gentry punt returner reversed his path and ran into the end zone. D’Rion Freeman tackled the player for a safety with about seven minutes left in the game, giving Leflore an 8-6 lead.
“Gentry has a solid team, and we knew it was going to be a battle,” added House.
Dezmond Ray led the offense for the Tigers with 100 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Quarterback Kyle Moore was only 3-of-6 for 28 yards with an interception.
Leflore’s defense was led by a number of players. Senior safety/linebacker Dante Kelly had 10 tackles, two sacks, a fumble recovery and an interception, while Freeman finished with eight tackles and two sacks. Taahir Banks had nine tackles, and Maurice Edwards, Akeviuhn Edwards and Donellius Griggs had six tackles each. Griggs also had an interception.
O’Bannon is 2-3 on the season as it knocked off M.S. Palmer 20-8 last week.
-Amanda Elzy at Thomas Edwards (Ruleville) — The Panthers hit the road for their first Region 3-3A game of the season as they visit the Tigers. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Ruleville.
“This is a brand new season,” said Elzy head coach Morris Bush. “We are all 0-0 going into district play. We need to go out and handle our business. I like the way we are playing after last week. The defense did its job, and the offense moved the ball up and down the field.”
The Panthers (2-3) churned out 278 yards rushing and 135 passing against the Jaguars. Sophomore quarterback Jevarion Glover was 11-of-15 with two touchdowns throwing the ball. He also ran for 105 yards on 11 carries.
Glover had plenty of help from other backs. Jaquavius Hayes only had two carries but ran for 68 yards and a score. Jaheim Jones had 54 yards and a TD on two carries, and Don Powell had 51 yards and a touchdown on six carries.
“These kids have been playing together since peewee league,” said Bush. “A lot of them were in junior high together, and after the COVID year (2020), we got them back last year. We had a lot of freshmen and sophomores last year. We are starting to see the talent develop on this team. It’s fun to watch.”
Ruleville is 1-4 overall after losing 14-8 in overtime to Rosa Fort last week. The Tigers’ only win was a 42-0 victory over Palmer.
-Contact Calvin Stevens at 662-581-7234 or cstevens@gwcommonwealth.com.
