By Amber Dodd
Special to The Dispatch
STARKVILLE — Starkville Academy Volunteers blew past the Winston Academy Patriots in a 36-0 shutout to open their MAIS 3A District 2 showdowns.
“[This win] supports what we believe in, which is great defense,” Coach Nicholson said on the Volunteers win. “Our defense comes first and foremost, because we know we can’t win if they put points on the board.”
The Volunteers and Patriots were tied in a defensive knot while adjusting to their offensive styles. It wasn’t until four minutes left until halftime that Methvin punching in a nine-yard run into the end zone getting the first score of the night.
Quarterback Ben Owens is out with a right meniscus tear, leaving Noah Methvin as the lone captain of the Volunteer ship. There was no speculation or doubt amongst the team now that Methvin will need to gear all of his agility and leadership towards being the team leader, fulfilling the QB1 position until late October.
“This doesn’t change anything,” Nicholson said. “It puts Owen in a sideline leadership position and he’s been talking to Methvin to guide him. With Noah picking up on offense, it makes defense pick up more since we’ve lost Methvin on defense.”
Starkville Academy lost momentum early, with two turnovers from Methvin- one fumbling while running the ball in the opening drive and throwing an interception in deep coverage in the first quarter. With many problems piling up, the Volunteer coaching staff lit up the worrisome sideline with one motivational phrase: Keep the fire hot.
“When defense is on the field- out there flying around and doing what they need to do-[other teams] often want to get out of the fire,” Head Coach Nicholson said. “When it gets hot, teams tend to shy away from hits and aggressive defenses. We pride ourselves on hitting and great defense.”
The sideline followed the coaching staffs lead, encouraging their players on the field to keep working at the victory. Their unity shifted the momentum leaving the first half.
After the pair of turnovers, Methvin tapped into his usual quarterback skills to help the Volunteers score 36 points in the shutout win. Methvin composed 93 passing yards for two touchdowns and ran in 21 yards for another pair of touchdowns.
“Nothing has really changed for me,” Methvin said. “I have to let the game come to me and flow. The first half was an adjustment but we got it done today.”
The defensive fire burned through the Winston Academy offense, with the Vols forcing four turnovers for a touchdown and a safety.
On his seventeenth birthday, junior Taylor Arnold continues to serve as the core running back for Starkville Academy. Against Winston Academy, Arnold collected 187 yards, 18 carries and a 48 yard touchdown.
“Instead of us hitting inside [holes], we hit outside,” Arnold said on the technique of the running game. “It worked every single time. O-line has been playing outstanding.”
Starkville Academy found their offensive successes on the ground, scoring three of the five touchdowns running. Starkville Academy rises to 5-1 and 1-0 in the MAIS 3A District 2 standings. The Vols hope to keep their fiery momentum against their homecoming foes Pillow Academy.
“We have to keep getting better,” Nicholson said. “We should’ve scored earlier. We missed some opportunities to make big plays. That’s our war cry-get a better every week.”
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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