WEST POINT — The West Point High School football team broke its post-game huddle with two words: “state champs.”
Anyone watching West Point’s game against Center Hill on Friday would have a hard time believing the Green Wave aren’t the favorite to win another Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State title.
West Point drove home that point by scoring 35 points in the first half en route to a 56-0 rout in a Class 5A, Region 1 game at McCallister Field.
“We have to keep playing consistently,” West Point coach Chris Chambless said about the 12th team under his leadership. “No matter the opponent, we have to put the same product on the field in all three parts of the game.”
West Point (6-0, 2-0 region), which is the No. 1 team in The Associated Press’ rankings, earned its first shutout of the season in its next step to complete its first back-to-back title campaigns since the 2009 and 2010 seasons. The Green Wave have never accomplished an undefeated 15-game season in school history.
“I know this senior class wants to complete a 15-0 season,” Chambless said. “It would be a major accomplishment for such a historic program.”
West Point scored on five of its six possessions in the first half. In the second half, the second-string offense scored on two of three possessions. The average starting position was West Point’s 41-yard line.
West Point’s two groups combined for 41 plays for 383 yards. Marcus Murphy led the way with 66 rushing yards. He also was 4-for-11 for 97 yards. Chris Calvert rushed for 60 yards. Jason Brownlee added two catches for 58 yards.
“We’re a running team, but we showed balance again,” Murphy said. “Once we throw the ball, it wakes them up and gives the advantage to do both. They never know what we’re going to do.”
West Point held Center Hill (0-6, 0-2) to less than 100 yards of offense, forced five turnovers, and added a defensive score. Tyler Rupert provided the big play during Center Hill’s opening drive when the senior recovered a fumble and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown.
“We always work on the fumble recovery during practice,” Rupert said. “The coaches are always stressing to have the ability to scoop and score.”
West Point contained Center Hill’s triple-option threat to 73 yards on 32 plays. When the Mustangs went to the air, Brownlee and Tray Brownlee made interceptions.
“We were very consistent with our approach and were aggressive,” Rupert said. “I think we can be one of the best defenses to come through the West Point program. Against a triple-option team, you have to play your assignments. From our defensive backs to our front line, we have our heads on tight and play the play.”
Murphy marched his offense 68 yards in five plays and had the opening score on the first drive. Archie Jones then capped a seven-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge.
Calvert joined the scoring rally with a touchdown late in the first quarter.
Following Tray Brownlee’s interception, Nate Montgomery capped a three-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. Four minutes later, Murphy connected with Jason Brownlee on a 43-yard touchdown strike.
On West Point’s first drive of the second half, Dantariyus Cannon ended a three-play drive with a 25-yard touchdown carry for a 49-0 advantage. In the fourth, Brandon Harris added a 9-yard touchdown run to account for the final margin.
West Point will take on Lake Cormorant at 7 p.m. Friday in another Class 5A, Region 1 game.
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