Early-season victories against Louisville, Columbus, and Noxubee County indicated the West Point High School football team was ready to reclaim its status as one of the elite teams in Class 5A of the Mississippi High School Activities Association.
A 50-28 loss to Class 5A, Region 1 rival Oxford revealed more work needed to be done, so West Point quickly went back to work, salivating at a chance to play Oxford again.
Eight wins later, West Point (11-2) will get that chance at 7 tonight when it plays Oxford (11-2) for the North State Class 5A championship in Oxford.
“We have wanted this opportunity for a long time,” West Point senior defensive back Jeffrey Drake said. “Oxford is the measuring stick for this region, so we knew we would see them in the playoffs. We have waited a long time for the rematch. We want to make this our night.”
Oxford, the reigning North State champion, defeated West Point 43-22 in the regular season and 42-14 in the playoffs last season. Most observers felt the Chargers had the advantage in talent a year ago, but that gap has closed this season. Still, some wondered if West Point was ready to contend for its first state championship since 2010.
“Being the underdog has really suited this team well,” West Point coach Chris Chambless said. “I think they have thrived in that role. On a statewide level, people have not taken a lot of notice of what we have been doing. Inside our locker room, these kids have believed. They have worked hard and have a lot of confidence.”
With sophomore quarterback Marcus Murphy and sophomore Chris Calvert being the primary components on offense, there was a lot of mystery when the season started. There also were questions if new players would emerge on defense.
“Everybody was hyped when the season started,” West Point senior defensive lineman Tony Rush said. “We knew we had some really good players. We didn’t know how quickly it would come together. After we beat Columbus and Noxubee County, we knew we had a chance to have a special season.”
On offense, West Point has run the football behind a mammoth offensive line, led by consensus All-State performer Scott Lashley. Murphy and Calvert have combined to run for 2,925 yards and 33 touchdowns.
West Point also has taken care of the football and kept penalties to a minimum. The Green Wave had no turnovers last week in a 16-9 win at Grenada in the second round of the playoffs.
On defense, West Point ended region play with three straight shutouts. It has allowed two touchdowns in the last 22 quarters.
Such success will be impressive tonight considering Oxford leads Class 5A in almost every statistical category. Oxford beat Germantown 40-33 last week in the final minute at home to advance.
Senior quarterback Jack Abraham threw for 421 yards and five touchdowns against West Point in the regular season. Abraham, who has thrown for 4,233 yards and 50 touchdowns, has thrown for 15 touchdowns in the last three wins against West Point.
“Sometimes in life you get do-overs,” Drake said. “We are fortunate to get one here. We got to play a whole lot better and take advantage of this opportunity.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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