YAZOO CITY — The difference in past classification was evident Friday night.
Starkville High School, a former Class 6A power that moved down one classification, dominated Yazoo City, a school that recently moved up to 5A football, in a 35-0 victory.
The Yellow Jackets (7-2, 5-0 Region 2) powered their passing attack with most of the total yardage coming on broken tackles after the catch against the smaller Indians.
“We’ve probably got more weapons to use every week in the passing game,” Starkville coach Jamie Mitchell said. “We feel like we can move the football in any way against anybody.”
Starkville found the end zone for the time through the air when junior quarterback Gabe Myles capitalized on a defensive breakdown that left speedster Devin Mitchell uncovered in the slot on a third-and-long play that led to a 22-yard touchdown strike.
It was clear from the opening possession that Yazoo City coach Tony Woolfolk would have to rely on the aerial duo of quarterback Dazmon Wright and wide receiver Chris Smith to pull the upset. After a three and out, the first positive play for Yazoo City (6-3, 3-3) came on a 55-yard pass on a one-on-one isolation route for Smith.
On low-percentage throws vertically down the field, Wright had 103 passing yards on just four completions over the top of the defense in the first half. Starkville held Yazoo City to 7 yards rushing.
The Starkville defense got on the scoreboard after Yazoo City snap from center rolled on the ground and then was bobbled in the air before Latajah Bush corralled it and went 35 yards for the score.
Mitchell went deep into the playbook for the offense’s second touchdown, as Myles executed a play-action fake into a reverse to Mitchell, who sidestepped two defenders for a 17-yard scamper. The junior athlete had three touchdowns (eight on the season) and 110 total yards, but needed to be helped off the field after the second-half kickoff. An injury to his left leg didn’t allow him to return.
Starkville committed a personal foul late hit on a third-down quarterback scramble and a pass interference penalty on an interception in the end zone on Yazoo City’s third possession. On Wright’s next throw, defensive back Johnny Smith stepped in front of a pass across the field to end the Indians’ drive.
Smith, who has more tackles than any other member of the secondary, leads the defense with three interceptions this season.
The only black mark in the performance in Jamie Mitchell’s eyes was Starkville’s 17 penalties for 117 yards.
Mitchell made a point after the game that he and his staff would send the game film to the Mississippi High School Activities Association office in Jackson for review.
“This is a tough place to come in and win, so after 17 penalties we’re ready to just get back on the bus and head back home to Starkville,” Mitchell said.
Myles executed two touchdown strikes in a little more than two minutes before halftime by showcasing his athletic ability. The junior first avoided two rushers and found Preston Jones down the sideline for a 30-yard touchdown. Jones broke two tackles on the way to his first touchdown reception this season.
Myles had 245 total yards (175 passing, 70 rushing) and three touchdowns with no turnovers in one half.
“Gabe Myles made some electric plays tonight under duress and I hope more people in the state understand he’s some kind of good,” Mitchell said.
Myles then stepped up in the pocket with 26 seconds left before halftime. Instead of taking off for the first down, he saw Mitchell out of the corner of his eye get behind the defense and hit him with a 46-yard touchdown pass. Myles’ ability to stretch the play gave the Yellow Jackets a 28-0 halftime advantage.
Starkville will try next week to maintain its undefeated mark not only in Region 2 but at Yellow Jackets Stadium when it plays host to Callaway. Starkville owns a one-game lead against Neshoba Central, which lost at Ridgeland.
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