Columbus High School football coach Randal Montgomery slowly made changes to his new program last season.
During the offseason, the major overhaul began.
To start Montgomery’s second season as head coach, Columbus shifted from a 4-2-5 defensive alignment to a 3-4.
If opening night is any indication, the new plan has a chance to pay major dividends.
After some early struggles, the Columbus defense settled down and dominated play in a season-opening 49-27 win over Kemper County Friday night at Falcon Field.
“A year ago, there were a lot of I guys on the team,” Columbus senior middle linebacker Mario Bradford said. “A lot guys were out here worrying about what they needed to do to get a (college) scholarship.
“Now, it is much more of a team thing. We changed the scheme up. We changed some personnel. We have really changed our identity. Playing defense this year is going to be fun.”
Kemper County, which won 11 games and played for the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A North State championship last season, held its own for more than a quarter.
Led by junior quarterback Eric Clark, the Wildcats scored on two of their first three possessions and held a 13-7 lead with 8:27 left before halftime.
From there, the Columbus defense settled in and made some big plays. Bradford led the charge with unofficially 16 tackles. He had plenty of help, as Derrick Beckom, Kiren Sharp, Christopher Deloach and Hezekiah Manigo were more than willing to pitch in.
“We really had a lot fun out there tonight,” Manigo said. “We are playing a different kind of defense this year. I think this team is more physical. We have a whole lot of speed so we have to use that to our advantage. If we can get in the other team’s backfield and cause some problems, that also gives us an advantage. We really hurried what they wanted to do on offense.”
An interception by Beckom swung the momentum for good.
That theft set Columbus up on the Kemper County 32-yard line. Two plays later, Kendre Conner scored one of his three touchdowns and the Falcons led for good.
“We hope to pride ourselves on a being a big-play unit this year,” Bradford said. “If you can get that one interception or one fumble recovery, it can change a game. It is really big when you can give your offense the ball that close to scoring. Of course, we feel our team can score from anywhere. But you could tell we started wearing them down in the second quarter.”
Kemper County was held to a three-and-out on its next two possessions. The Wildcats were faced to punt from their own 15-yard line and 10-yard line.
After both punts, Columbus started in Kemper County territory and scored touchdowns for a 28-13 halftime lead.
“Our defense really changed the whole ballgame right there,” Montgomery said. “We talk all the time about facing adversity. We didn’t do a real good job of handing adversity last season. This year, we start off with some adversity. We had given up some big plays and were behind. Our kids really tightened things up from there and played really well.”
Deloach, Tahj Sykes and Cameron Williams kept the defensive pressure on Clark and his teammates from their defensive line positions. After early scoring drives of 72 and 68 yards, Kemper County was throttled until striking for two touchdowns late, mainly against reserves.
“The guys did a great job of pressuring the quaterback,” said Manigo, who had the other team’s takeaway with a fumble recovery. “Hopefully that is something we can do a lot of this year. Kemper County has some really great players, so we just had to work on our containment and keep everything in front of us. This is a new year and everybody is excited about what we are trying to do on defense.”
Montgomery feels like his defensive unit should benefit from being faster this season. The Falcons have also worked in the weight room to get a little bit bigger and stronger. The Columbus defense has the most returning experience. However, the Falcons have had to adjust to a new way of doing things. However, through this new way of doing things, has come a new attitude.
“When the ball is thrown, everybody attacks the receiver,” Bradford said. “Same thing with a running play, the ball goes one way and we are all going to be there. I just think we are a little more physical and have a little more mental toughness. A year ago, we didn’t know what to expect with new coaches. The team is more together now and that shows when everybody is flying to the football at the same time. We know we have a long way to go but we have some confidence now. That’s a good thing.”
Montgomery congratulated his team on its 1-0 start. Last season, Columbus did not win until the fifth week of the season.
However, this season’s schedule is brutal. Defending Class 4A state champion Noxubee County is next in Macon.
“Are you happy about giving up 27 points?” Montgomery asked. “No, you can’t be. At the same time, I don’t want our offense to be happy about scoring 49 points. We had some other chances and didn’t cash them in. Pleased to be 1-0. Extremely pleased to be 1-0. However, we aren’t settling. There is so much more this team can do. We are just getting started.”
Follow Dispatch Sports Writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.