A high-scoring shootout is possible when the West Oktibbeha County High School football team takes on Natchez Cathedral at 7 tonight in the opening round of the Class 1A South State playoffs.
“There are some similarities between the teams,” West Oktibbeha coach Adam Lowrey said. “In the playoffs, the key will be who can do what they want to do on offense. On defense, you have to step up make plays and get some turnovers. We will have to play very well on both sides of the ball to have a chance.”
West Oktibbeha has advanced to the playoffs for the third time, and first since 2005. The Timberwolves secured the fourth spot in Region 3 with a 7-4 record and a 5-3 region record. Cathedral shared the Region 4 title at 10-1 and 8-1. It earned the region’s top seed with a 27-26 victory against Stringer.
“For a Class 1A school, they have a lot of size and a lot of talent at the skill positions,” Lowrey said. “Their offense really puts up the points. We have a talented offense, too. But we can’t get into matching them. We need to make some big plays on the defensive side of the ball.”
Cathedral is averaging 45.2 points per game. The one loss was a 36-34 home loss to region rival Dexter. It bounced back with victories against Hinds County AHS (55-34) and University Christian (60-30) to secure the region tie and the top seed.
Cathedral senior quarterback Caleb Upton is 192 of 328 for 3,468 yards. Upton has thrown 44 touchdown passes and six interceptions. Senior Daniel Huffines has caught 56 passes for 1,037 yards and 13 touchdowns. Junior Khalil Brice has 42 catches for 753 yards and 10 touchdowns, while senior Carl Hammitte has 35 catches for 730 yards and 10 touchdowns.
However, Cathedral can do more than throw the ball. Senior J.D. Ealey has rushed for 1,078 yards and 17 touchdowns on 157 carries.
“We are looking forward to the playoffs,” Cathedral coach Ron Rushing said. “A year ago, we lost in the second round (27-16 to Dexter). That has been the motivational factor to this season. We have worked hard to get back to this point. Dexter got us during the regular season last year and this year. They have proved to be a difficult team for us to get past.”
After losing its region opener to Nanih Waiya, West Oktibbeha bounced back to win five straight games. That streak included a come-from-behind win against longtime rival West Lowndes (36-30) and a throttling of archrival East Oktibbeha (40-14). After clinching the playoff spot, West Oktibbeha lost its final two region games – at Noxapater (41-6) and at home against Pelahatchie (42-40).
“The ending to the regular season was not what we would have liked,” Lowrey said. “All we can do now is go back to work and get ready for Cathedral. It will be a long trip. We have to go over there focused and ready to play.”
The Timberwolves are averaging 34 points per game. Junior quarterback Von Smith is 159 of 292 for 2,505 yards. Smith has thrown 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Senior Dwight Quinn has a team-best 44 receptions for 946 yards and 10 touchdowns. Junior Tiberias Lampkin paces the rushing game with 133 rushes for 654 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The West Oktibbeha-Cathedral winner will face Nanih Waiya or Bogue Chitto in the second round. If the Timberwolves win, they would travel to Bogue Chitto, but they would play host to Nanih Waiya.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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