KEY PLAY
Midway through the first quarter, Starkville scored on its first possession after a 28-yard punt return by Raphael Leonard set up a short field. However, on the second drive, Starkville faced a critical fourth-and-2 at the Columbus 48-yard line. Coach Jamie Mitchell went for the first down and junior running back Avery Brown responded with an 11-yard run. Four plays later, Matt Fuller scored on a 5-yard run to send the Yellow Jackets on their way to a big win.
“Avery really came up big tonight,” Mitchell said. “Not a lot of schools can go three or four deep with quality running backs. He has been working hard at practice and really deserved this opportunity.”
KEY DRIVE
The Yellow Jackets scored on their first two possessions to build a 14-0 lead. However, on the third drive, Brady Davis threw an interception to give Columbus a short field. The Falcons couldn’t capitalize and had to punt. Starkville then made amends by moving 80 yards on seven plays. Leonard was big man on the march, catching a 34-yard pass and a 28-yard scoring strike from Davis.
“Since this was the first region game, we wanted to come out and set the tone,” Leonard said. “We know these are the games you have to win to make the playoffs. The first four games really do not matter. We got off to a good start.”
UNSUNG HEROES
With Jacquez Horsley out with a hamstring pull and Matt Fuller slowed by a bruised tailbone, Brown made his first start and carried the bulk of the rushing load. While Starkville succeeds mainly through air, Brown’s performance was still key.
“I found out Monday I was going to start,” Brown said. “You get a little nervous before your first start. I thought it all worked out well. I just tried to go out and do what I do every day in practice.”
TURNING POINT
Leading 23-0 early in the second half, Starkville scored on the first two possessions of the second half. The Yellow Jackets moved 80 yards on nine plays and 40 yards on three plays.
“On defense, we played well,” Columbus coach Randal Montgomery said. “We just could not get anything going on offense to give them any help. Defensively, we battled, competed, and gave ourselves a chance.”
DIFFERENCE-MAKERS
Davis was 14 of 25 for 238 yards and three touchdowns — all to Leonard. Through five games, Davis has thrown for 1,414 yards. He has 21 touchdowns and three interceptions. Leonard has a team-high eight receiving touchdowns.
“There is something special (between Davis and Leonard),” Mitchell said. “You see it every day in practice. You always want that type of communication between quarterback and receiver. When you see it work like that, you know it is special.”
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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