Greenwood High has been a dominant force in Region 3-4A for five seasons and counting.
The Bulldogs notched their 25th straight league victory last week and can take a huge step toward a sixth consecutive region title Thursday with a win over Tunica Rosa Fort.
GHS can move to 3-0 in the region Thursday with one game left against Clarksdale. That game will follow an open date next week on Oct. 26 in Greenwood.
But the Bulldogs have to take care of business against the Lions first. Rosa Fort comes in at 4-2, 1-0 after beating Gentry 41-12 last week.
“It’s a big game for sure because a win sets us up to play for another district championship,” GHS coach Clinton Gatewood said. “We’ve played lights out on the road the last two weeks, and we are excited to be back home for such a big game.”
The Bulldogs have yet to allow a point in Region 3-4A play. For the season, they are allowing the second-fewest points in the North 4A ranks at 10.8. Only Louisville, which beat GHS 21-0 three weeks ago, is allowing less points (9.8).
“The defense is playing just like we expected it to. We knew we had to lean on them while our offense came around with a freshman quarterback,” Gatewood said. “They play together and fly around to the ball. I love their attitude. Those guys on defense play with bad intentions, and I love that.”
The Lions come in averaging 27 points per game. Their offense runs through senior quarterback Kobey Island, who averages 154 yards passing per game while leading the team in rushing with 237 yards on 46 carries.
“They have a talented, experienced offense with most everybody back from last year, but I know our defense is up for the challenge,” Gatewood said.
Offensively, the Bulldogs are averaging 41 points a contest in their first two region games. That unit is led by a strong trio of running backs in Walter Ivory, Lavell Nelson and Jamarron Addison. Last week, Ivory had 162 yards on 18 carries and added 55 yards receiving on four catches.
Quarterback DeAndre Smith finished 9-of-14 passing for 127 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions.
