Heritage Academy saw its football fortunes turn last season after a victory against archrival Starkville Academy.
This season, the Volunteers need of a reversal of fortunes.
Starkville Academy will meet Heritage Academy in a huge Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AAA, Division II, District 1 matchup at 7 p.m. Friday at C.L. Mitchell Field in Columbus.
“We knew we were young in some spots, so there would be some growing pains,” Starkville Academy coach Jeff Terrill said. “Now that we are late in the season, you can start treating the sophomores like they are juniors. We have three games left, and we need to finish on a strong note.”
Sitting at 1-3 against District 1 foes but 1-1 in Division II play, Starkville Academy still has a lot to play for. The Volunteers have made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. However, it needs a strong finish to extend that streak. After Heritage Academy, Starkville Academy will play at Jackson Academy and play host to Pillow Academy.
“Our biggest challenge has been consistency,” Terrill said. “How do you follow a good quarter with another good quarter? How do you follow a good drive with another good drive? How do you compete for four quarters? Those are some of the issues that we have been working through.”
Starkville Academy (3-5) has shown flashes in victories against East Rankin Academy, Hillcrest Christian, and Winston Academy. However, the Volunteers haven’t been able to sustain the momentum. Starkville Academy is yet to win on consecutive Fridays. Starkville Academy lost to Madison-Ridgeland Academy 40-0 last week.
“The kids continue to work hard,” Terrill said. “They know how important these last three games are. No matter how good or bad you are, this is when you want to be playing your best football.”
A season ago, Heritage Academy won 19-6 in Starkville. The victory came in the second week of the season and helped kick-start a Class AAA, Division II state championship run by the Patriots.
This season, Heritage Academy may be even better. The Patriots are 7-2 and 2-2 in District 1 and 1-1 against Division II opponents. The seven regular-season wins are the most since the 2005 Patriots won eight regular-season games. For the Heritage Academy seniors, it is a chance to go 3-1 against the archrival.
For Starkville Academy, Grant Wolfe leads the team with 584 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Quarterback Houston Clark is 30 of 79 for 336 yards with two touchdowns. Logan Locke has a team-high 11 receptions for 120 yards. Drew Harrell is tops with 50 total tackles. Hunter Peeples has a team-high three interceptions.
“It is a big game for both communities,” Terrill said. “We look forward to playing.”
Pelahatchie (6-2, 5-1) at West Oktibbeha (0-5, 0-5)
Energized by an open date, the Timberwolves will play host to the Chiefs in a Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A, Region 3 matchup at 7 p.m. Friday in Maben.
West Oktibbeha is back on the field for the first time since a heart-breaking 20-18 home defeat to East Oktibbeha two weeks ago. The county rivals put a damper on Homecoming festivities for West Oktibbeha.
“We competed for four quarters, and I was really proud of the effort,” West Oktibbeha coach Danny Crawford said. “We had our chances but couldn’t come away with the win. We just have to focus on giving a great effort for our last four games of the season.”
With three region games remaining, Pelahatchie is in sole possession of second place in the standings. The Chiefs can take a major step toward nailing down home-field advantage with a victory. Pelahatchie defeated French Camp Academy 50-21 last week.
Pelahatchie beat West Oktibbeha County 54-26 last season.
n East Oktibbeha County High has an open date. The Titans are 1-5 and 1-5 in MHSAA Class 1A, Region 3. It will plat Nov. 1 at Pelahatchie.
Follow Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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