Key play
Quarterback Tyler Pogue was 6 of 17 for 45 yards before connecting with junior Demetrius Market on a 46-yard fly pattern that gave South Panola its first entry into the West Point red zone late in the fourth quarter. One play later, senior running back Darrell Henderson scored the game-winner.
Key drive
Only one drive resulted in a touchdown. While West Point scored its first touchdown on a kick return and South Panola used a block punt to score, the Tigers finally put together a march to clinch the game midway through the fourth quarter. Immediately after falling behind 10-7 on an Oscar Lemus field goal, South Panola drove 61 yards on six plays, culminating in Henderson’s go-ahead 13-yard score.
Unsung hero
That recognition goes to tailback Lacequiu “Quincy” Starks for West Point and linebacker Ryan Lee for South Panola. Starks bulled his way to 63 yards rushing on 28 carries against a stingy defensive front, but he gave the Green Wave a 7-0 lead right out of the gate with a 73-yard kickoff return for a score to open the game. Lee blocked a Lemus punt and recovered the ball at West Point’s 2-yard line to set up South Panola’s first score. He then clinched the game with an interception with 52 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Turning point
Lee’s blocked punt. To that point, South Panola trailed 7-0 and had accomplished nothing offensively. The Tigers had just three first downs and 28 yards until Lee’s blocked punt set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Oluwain Hoskins. Once even, South Panola outscored West Point 7-3 in the second half.
— Brandon Walker
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.