Greenwood will take a huge jump up in competition level in Week 2, and that’s just fine with Clinton Gatewood.
The Bulldogs, ranked No. 5 in Class 4A, beat up 1A member Leflore County 48-12 to open the season last week. Holmes County Central, expected to be one of the top teams in 5A, comes to town for a Saturday night showdown at Bulldog Stadium.
The Bulldogs will be out to avenge just one of three losses last season, a season where they just missed playing in the school’s first state title game since 1988. The Jaguars won 34-18 last year, while GHS took the first-ever meeting in 2017 with a 21-20 decision.
“This has really turned into a nice Leflore-Holmes county rivalry. It’s a big game because we have one of the top teams in 5A coming to our place,” Gatewood said. “This will give us an opportunity to see where we are at on our journey for a state championship.
“We will figure out real quickly where we are as a team. They have to come to the Dog House, and we plan on protecting our house.”
Holmes Central coach Marcus Rogers will have one of the most talented teams in all of 5A this season. Senior quarterback Justin Smith (1,730 yards, 18 TDs) leads the offensive effort. The Jaguars are especially brimming with talent on the defensive side of the ball, led by defensive tackle Montra Edwards, and linebackers Jodie Williams and Kelvin Gipson. And then there is sophomore Khamauri Rogers, who’s rated a five-star prospect and the No. 1 defensive back in the Class of 2022, according to Maxpreps.
Last week, though, the Jaguars were shut down by Warren Central as the Vikings used a powerful running game and strong defense to post a 14-0 victory.
Holmes County Central is considered a championship contender in Class 5A but suffered its second shutout in a row. It lost 21-0 to Olive Branch in the second round of the playoffs last season.
“I know Holmes County will come in hungry after last week, but I expect our guys to match their intensity,” Gatewood said.
Greenwood ran for 161 yards against Leflore on 21 attempts, while sophomore quarterback DeAndre Smith completed 4 of 6 passes for 119 yards, one interception and two touchdowns (46, 44 yards to senior Kobe Chambers).
nContact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com. Follow on Twitter:@Bill_Burrus.
