STARKVILLE — After dropping back-to-back games to end the regular season, the Starkville Academy football team knew another loss would end its season.
Coach Chase Nicholson has preached about the importance of turning the page all season, so the Volunteers didn’t dwell on the missed opportunities or the lack of response that plagued them against Heritage Academy or Leake Academy. Instead, the 53 Volunteers set out on making sure they took a strong first step in a march back to Jackson.
“The theme has always been bouncing back, responding, and going to work,” Nicholson said.
No. 6 seed Starkville Academy did just that Friday, as Taylor Arnold and C.J. Jackson ran for two touchdowns in a 40-6 victory against Natchez Cathedral Unit School in the first round of the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class AAA playoffs at J.E. Logan Field.
With the win, reigning Class AAA Starkville Academy (9-2) will play host to No. 13 Adams County Christian School, which defeated No. 4 Bowling Green (La.) 30-19, at 7 p.m. Friday in Starkville.
Nicholson hammered “get better” into the minds of his players all week. The Volunteers also came out energized and displayed the focus needed to make a deep run in the playoffs.
“We made sure we got better like we strive for every week, play hard, and go out here and execute but at a whole new level,” Nicholson said.
The Volunteers used a 47-yard touchdown run by Taylor Arnold to cap an 88-yard opening drive. Starkville Academy also had a fumbled kick return recovery by Campbell Spivey that led to an 18-yard rushing touchdown by CJ Jackson a play later.
Quarterback Garrett Lewis threw for 40 yards and rushed for 17 to help the Volunteers capitalize on a versatile offense.
“Coach Nick said the bar is a lot higher this week, so we have to do a lot better,” Lewis said of his performance. “I come out and try to have the best attitude I can and just lead.”
Nicholson said Starkville Academy will depend on Lewis in the postseason. He said Lewis’ ability to find opportunities and to make shifts will be critical in helping the Volunteers stays efficient.
“He’s accepted the challenge of getting better,” Nicholson said. “We’re working better and better together each day, and he’s doing everything a quarterback is supposed to be doing.”
Arnold said Lewis’ involvement helps the team sprout in different ways. He said he wanted to get back to the basics and focus on his primary role as running back to spark the team. Jackson also provided a spark by rushing for 54 yards.
“When the quarterback can get involved it takes the eyes off the running backs,” said Arnold, who rushed for 103 yards. “He’s been able to go a lot harder than the beginning of the season, so it’s nice.”
Starkville Academy’s defense delivered another strong effort to shut down the Green Wave. The Volunteers had six sacks, forced four fumbles, and had two interceptions.
Spivey realized one of Nicholson’s goals by “being at the right place at the right time,” scooping up three fumbles, including one on special teams.
“I try to be a good leader for the defense and get people excited out there to do their jobs,” Spivey said. “I want us to go out there and give it our all. The two losses were embarrassing and change how we played. When my name is called and be productive on offense.”
Nicholson knows things will be tougher next week, but he is confident his team will be up for the challenge if it continues to improve.
“The sense of urgency of the win-or-go-home mentality takes over when you know this could really be the last one,” Nicholson said. “It has to take over.”
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