Greenwood High School’s reign atop Region 3-4A continues, but it didn’t come easy.
The Bulldogs defeated Clarksdale 21-14 in overtime Friday night at GHS to claim its sixth straight region title.
“I am so proud of these guys for fighting so hard to keep this going and adding another page to our history,” said GHS coach Clinton Gatewood, whose team won its 27th straight Region 3-4A contest. “That was a hard-fought game between two really good teams.”
Greenwood (8-2) got the ball first in overtime and scored on the first play, when senior running back Walter Ivory found the end zone from 10 yards out on a Wildcat play. Lavell Nelson booted the PAT kick to make it 21-14.
Clarksdale (6-4) got down close to the goal line before the Bulldog defense made a huge play. Nelson caused a fumble by quarterback Cameron Matthews, and junior Travor Randle recovered it to seal the game, setting off a wild celebration that eventually led to Gatewood’s dousing from the water cooler.
“It was a little cold, but I can promise you I didn’t mind it,” he said.
The Bulldog defense stood tall in the second half, pitching a shutout and not allowing a first down on the Wildcats’ final three possessions.
“Our defense really stepped it up in the second half after we made some halftime adjustments,” Gatewood said.
Sophomore Omar Emmons had one of many key defensive plays in the second half. He had a huge hit on a third-down play to break up a pass that would have resulted in a first down.
“My adrenaline was flowing, and I knew I needed to make a play for my team,” said the defensive back. “I love this team, and I am just glad I could help out.”
Ivory paced the GHS offense with 177 yards and two TDs on 28 carries.
“I love my teammates. I couldn’t do anything without them,” Ivory said. “This is such a great feeling to get the six-peat. We have worked hard to get here.”
Freshman quarterback DeAndre Smith completed 9-of-14 passes for 144 yards, including a 65-yard scoring pass to sophomore Kobe Chambers in the first quarter that put GHS up 7-0.
Chambers finished with three catches for 90 yards, while fellow sophomore Daylin Metcalf had five receptions for 50 yards.
Defensively, senior linebacker Marquavious Williams recorded a team-high 11 tackles, and sophomore defensive end Dalvin Anderson and senior Maurice Leflore had 10 each. Senior linebacker Ja’Quan Moses added nine, with Randle getting seven stops and one interception.
Greenwood opens the playoffs next week at home against Amory, which is 5-6 after beating Mooreville 41-21.
nContact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com. Follow on Twitter:@Bill_Burrus.
