Pillow Academy is primed to snap its three-game losing streak when the Mustangs visit Greenville to face Washington School on Friday.
Pillow has won the past six meetings of the rivalry matchup, which dates back nearly 50 years to 1972. The Generals own the advantage in the all-time series, 32-20.
The Mustangs’ record dropped to 4-4 last week after they blew a fourth-quarter lead against District 1-5A foe Starkville Academy. The 26-22 loss to the Volunteers marked Pillow’s second straight district defeat after falling at Bayou Academy, 41-21, two weeks ago.
The Mustangs’ offense had an uncharacteristic outing last week as they had better success through the air compared to on the ground, where they thrive. Junior quarterback Drew Lamb finished 9-of-21 passing for 98 yards, two interceptions and a touchdown pass to Brock Makamson, who also blocked a punt to force a safety on defense. Managing just 17 net rushing yards on 27 attempts, Pillow had to get creative in order to score against Starkville.
Junior running back Dayne Sanford (15 carries for 33 yards) connected with John Heston Powers for a 36-yard touchdown on a trick play. Hayes Bennett also returned a kickoff for a touchdown. The Mustangs missed all three extra point attempts while tallying two safeties on defense.
All signs point to the Mustangs bouncing back this week. Washington (1-7), whose lone victory this season came in August against local Class 3A foe Delta Streets Academy, has lost to Kirk Academy and Magnolia Heights in recent weeks — both of whom Pillow has beat.
The trip to Greenville represents a must-win matchup for the Mustangs, who currently rank ninth in power points among Class 5A teams. The top 12 make the playoffs with the top four earning a first-round bye.
Next week, Pillow closes out regular season play by hosting Heritage Academy (9-0), ranked as the fifth-best team in the MAIS by Mississippi Gridiron.
- Contact Riley Overend at 662-581-7237 or roverend@gwcommonwealth.com. Follow @OverendOut on Twitter.
