By Harrison Putt
Special to the Dispatch
STARKVILLE — Aberdeen High School is ready to take its offense to the next level this season. Coach Mark Bray feels like the Bulldogs have the play-makers to make that a reality.
The Bulldogs had their fair share of big plays in a 14-13 win during the second game of the New Hope Jamboree played Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium.
If coaches need a scouting report on the Bulldogs, consider this –Aberdeen wants to throw the ball and throw the ball a lot.
The potent offense was demonstrated early as quarterback Josh WIlliams threw a perfect ball on the first drive of the game for an 83 yard touchdown pass. The throw had perfect touch and couldn’t have been thrown better downfield.
It was the beginning of a good afternoon where the Bulldogs were crisp in a lot of areas.
“Our QB is a three year starter and the receivers have plenty of experience as well, so that was one thing we kind of expected coming in was a steady passing game,” Bray said.
So then the question is now what will the Aberdeen defense do to compliment this attack.
Aberdeen runs a read and react type defense which proved to be effective throughout much of the day. Kosciusko drove the ball pretty well throughout the day but could not covert multiple opportunities in the red zone. Again its goal line, the Bulldogs bowed their neck, once time forcing a fumble at the 2-yard line and another time grabbing an interception in the end zone.
That tenacity with their backs against the wall was encouraging to Bray.
Offensively, Williams and wide receiver Sammie Burroughs led the way. WIlliams serves as the quarterback and punter and absolutely dominated the game in some instances. There were multiple plays where he would be under pressure, roll to his left or right and rifle a completed pass down the field. Williams is a total field general out there and directed that Aberdeen offense throughout the game with such skill and determination. Burroughs was the recipient of many passes from Williams and equaled his performance on offense with his performance on defense. Burroughs was simply all over the field today. The highlight of his day was the 83-yard touchdown reception early in the first quarter of this matchup. He ran a streaking route down the sideline and had a healthy advantage on the defense. The throw given to him could not have been any more perfect and he caught it for the first score of the game.
The offense starting strong, coupled with a young and energetic defense, should allow Aberdeen to build on last season’s 11-win campaign.
A year ago, the Bulldogs saw a nine-game win streak snapped with a loss to Charleston in the third round of the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A playoffs.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.