Led by a strong Greenwood presence, the North squad dominated the South in the 71st Bernard Blackwell Football Classic at Milner Stadium in Gulfport on Saturday, capitalizing off turnovers and riding the momentum on their way to a 28-7 win.
Greenwood High School’s Clinton Gatewood was the head coach for the North, with his assistant, Cary Weaver, and Amanda Elzy’s Sheldon Hodge serving on the staff.
“It was just a great experience for all of us coaches and players, being able to add a Greenwood touch to the winning side,” said Gatewood, who recently completed his 10th season at the helm of the Bulldog program.
Elzy’s Dephabian Fant had four carries for 23 yards and caught a pair of passes for 12 yards. Greenwood’s Jamarion Addison got 21 rushing yards on four carries and hauled in one reception for 14 yards.
The North overtook the South in a span of just over three minutes late in the second quarter, scoring 20 points during that time, and putting the game out of reach on a soggy field and a steady drizzle.
Down 20-0 at halftime, the South opened the second half with a successful onside kick recovered by Picayune’s Cameron Thomas at the North 37-yard line. The South’s offense appeared poised for a comeback as they picked up three first downs to the North 14-yard line. North Pike’s Alijah Martin connected with Rhyen Brisco of Hattiesburg in the end zone to put the South on the scoreboard.
After an interception by the North’s Alphonso Ray of Yazoo County, the North responded with a 17-play drive that resulted in another touchdown, and more importantly, consumed more than nine minutes off the game clock. The North went for two points and converted the game’s final score.
The first score came on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown with 3:10 remaining in the second quarter. On the first snap on the ensuing possession, Nanih Waiya’s Shia Moore picked off the South’s pass and returned it for a score and a 14-0 lead for the North.
The South fumbled the ball on the first play on its next possession, but on the North’s first snap, Hazlehurst’s Jaquan Copeland picked off the North in the end zone.
