MACON — Noxubee County High School senior running back Darrell Robinson set the tone for his team on Friday night’s opening kickoff.
Robinson ran that kick back 75 yards and the Tigers began their opening possession inside the New Hope 10-yard-line.
It was the beginning of a long night for New Hope and a good night for Noxubee County.
Behind 210 rushing yards, 375 all-purpose yards and four rushing touchdowns from Robinson, Noxubee County improved to 3-0 with a 60-14 victory over New Hope.
For his efforts Friday night, Robinson has named this week’s The Dispatch Prep Player of the Week.
“Darrell is a special athlete, he is a complete play-maker,” Noxubee County coach Tyrone Shorter said. “He is the type of player who has the chance to make a big play every time he touches the football.
“He also provides leadership on the practice field and in the weight room. We have a large senior class and they have taken on the role of leaders on this team. Darrell help sets that tone by everything he does each day to make us a better football team.”
Robinson feels like he has that type of big-play ability every time the ball is snapped.
“I almost broke that first one,” Robinson said. “Every kick, we try to have a big play. Coach (Tyrone Shorter) always tells us that big plays can take place in the kicking game.
“We work on our kicks and our kick coverage. It is something we are a lot better at this year.”
The Tigers have improved in multiple phases of the game. The fast start by Noxubee also includes victories over Starkville High and Craigmont, Tenn.
“This team really grew up a lot during the off-season,” Noxubee County senior quarterback DeAngelo Ballard said. “We didn’t have the type of season anybody wanted last year.
“When Darrell runs the ball like this, we are going to be hard to beat.”
Shorter is using a rotation on the offensive line this season. That group includes seniors Martive Mitchell, Jonathan Orr, Jercoveie Stewart, Ivan Goodwin, Jared Farmer, as well as juniors Tamarcus Williams and Traon Young.
“They opened up some holes that really anyone could run through,” Robinson said. “I am really proud of the offensive line. There are a lot of seniors on that group. We have played together for a long time.”
In the preseason, Noxubee was projected to have another lockdown defense. The Tigers were considered a work in progress on the offensive side of the ball.
Noxubee County forced six turnovers in the win over New Hope. A 60-point night on the offensive end could help lead the Tigers back to the state title game for the first time since 2008.
Robinson admits several of his offensive teammates have spent the off-season rededicating themselves to football.
“DeAngelo has really become a great leader for this football team,” Robinson said. “In the backfield, we have several players who can make big plays.
“The defense will always be there. Now, we are becoming a complete team.”
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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