STARKVILLE — Noah Methvin and Dalton Dempsey work well together.
The relationship between a quarterback and a running back might not be as essential as the relationship between a quarterback and his offensive line, but they must work well together. Through three games, Methvin and Dempsey are clicking for the Starkville Academy football team.
Methvin, the quarterback and Dempsey, the running back, have been playing together for a while, so when Methvin transitioned from defensive end to starting quarterback this season, Starkville Academy coach Chase Nicholson didn’t worry.
“It’s been growing over the years,” Nicholson said. “I don’t think this is something that just happened. They’ve been playing ball in junior high for several years. They played last year together, so I think it’s a growing thing. I know they’re involved in several extra curricular activities outside of football.”
Methvin and Dempsey combined for four touchdowns Friday in a 39-7 victory against Magnolia Heights. For their efforts, Methvin and Dempsey are The Dispatch’s co-Prep Players of the Week.
Methvin, a junior, was 6 of 13 for 87 yards. He had 9 yards rushing on nine carries. He had a 2-yard and a 3-yard touchdown in the first half. He hit Codie Futral for an 8-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
Methvin said Dempsey takes a lot of pressure off him and they click in the offensive backfield.
“We have a really good relationship,” Methvin said. “We’re really good buddies off the field. On the field, we have a good relationship. Me being a first-year quarterback, it’s really easy to have a guy like Dalton, who has three years of varsity experience. It makes things a lot easier. If the line’s not right or the wide receivers are in the wrong position, he knows where everybody’s supposed to be. If I can’t correct something, he’s always there to help me out.”
Methvin worked as the third-string quarterback last season, but he was a dominant force on the defensive line, earning the team’s defensive lineman of the year award. Nicholson said the plan was to move Methvin to quarterback full time.
Nicholson said Methvin’s history of playing defense has made him a good quarterback because he has a vast knowledge of what opponents will try to do. Nicholson said Dempsey joked there was a better quarterback than Methvin out there, but he had Methvin’s back.
“The whole time he knew he was doing such a great job, getting better every day and he was the man for the job,” Nicholson said.
Dempsey led the Volunteers (3-0) with 83 yards on 15 carries. He gave Starkville Academy a 7-0 lead on a 57-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
Although Dempsey has been a source of comfort for Methvin, Dempsey said Methvin has done a good job of making the transition.
Dempsey said his friendship with Methvin has given them confidence in the backfield.
“We practiced all summer together, working together to try and build that bond. We know each other very well,” Dempsey said.
Nicholson said Dempsey is competitive, works hard, and is committed to doing things the right way. As for his style of play, Nicholson said Dempsey runs hard and has the ability to make defenders miss.
After a 16-7 win at Marshall Academy, Starkville Academy beat West Lowndes High School 41-14 on Aug. 26 in Columbus. The defense has been a big reason, but the complementary play from Methvin and Dempsey have helped.
“Watching on game film, they know they’ve got each other’s back and they know they’re going to take care of one another,” Nicholson said. “They trust each other. It’s really fun to watch those two work together.”
Methvin and Dempsey lead Starkville Academy against Lamar School (3-0) 7 p.m. Friday at home.
The relationship between Methvin and Dempsey, which will continue to grow as the season progresses, eases Nicholson’s mind when he thinks about his offense.
“There’s a little brotherly love and brotherly conversations you want and you see it with those two. It’s really, really cool,” Nicholson said.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait
Ben Wait reports on Mississippi State University sports 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 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.