It’s not a conference game, but it’s still a crucial one for a Greenwood program seeking statewide respect.
The Bulldogs believe most have forgotten about them since an impressive run to the North State 4A title game in 2014. They can certainly change that Friday night with a win over Grenada, a Class 5A school that is ranked No. 10 in the Clarion-Ledger’s Super 10 Poll.
“We’re facing a bigger school and a ranked school. It’s a great opportunity for us,” Greenwood coach Clinton Gatewood said. “I have preached to our kids about seeing this as an opportunity to earn respect.
“They’re kind of amped up for this game because it’s a chance to show folks what our program is all about.”
Both teams are 1-0 after convincing season-opening wins last week.
Grenada blasted Cleveland 49-13 in a game that the Chargers led 35-7 at the half.
Grenada coach Ashley Kuhn expects a much tougher test from GHS this week.
“Greenwood is a very athletic team that gave us a lot of problems the last time we went to their place,” he said. “We know that we will get their best effort.”
Grenada senior quarterback Jaquarrius Bell threw for 103 yards and two touchdowns in the opener, while the Chargers core of running backs shattered Cleveland’s defense with more than 330 rushing yards.
Gatewood said Grenada is a different team than the one that beat the Bulldogs 35-20 last year because Bell gives them a passing threat. Last year, the Chargers were forced to rely on the run more.
“Grenada is more balanced. They like to pass to the tight end, and they have a strong running game,” said the Greenwood coach.
Defensively, Grenada is led by C.J. Avery, who had a team-high nine solo tackles against Cleveland.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound outside linebacker already holds scholarship offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Alabama and Stanford. He is rated as the nation’s No. 117 overall prospect for the 2017 class by 247Sports and is the No. 4 junior recruit in Mississippi.
The Bulldogs have their own defensive star in senior end Marquiss Spencer. The 6-5, 230-pounder had nine tackles and two sacks last week in a 35-0 rout of Leflore County. The four-star prospect is, according to 247Sports, the eighth-best overall prospect for the 2016 recruiting class and the 11th ranked defensive end in the nation.
