From Special Reports
GRENADA – Two down, two to go.
West Point High School moved within two wins of repeating as Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A state champions after a 32-13 win over Grenada in second-round playoff action Friday night.
West Point won its 26th straight game, dating back to last season. However, it was the smallest margin of victory for the Green Wave this season. The contest was much tighter than the regular season — a 48-0 West Point win at home.
“It is always difficult to win on the road, in the playoffs,” West Point coach Chris Chambless said. “The biggest thing you have to do is start fast. It’s a challenge when you beat a team easily during the regular season. They are going to want to make a statement and play better. You have to find a way to match that energy.”
West Point built a early 12-0 lead. Marcus Murphy scored on a 1-yard run and Jason Brownlee followed that up with a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown.
The Green Wave stretched the lead to 18-7 at halftime after Murphy scored on a 12-yard run with 13 seconds left in the half.
In the second half, Wet Point expanded the lead on a 91-yard run by Murphy and a 31-yard run by Chris Calvert.
West Point (13-0) will play host to Olive Branch (12-1) at 7 Friday night for the North State championship, When the Region 1 rivals met during the regular season, West Point took a 51-7 victory.
“You can’t worry about too many things when you play a team for the second time,” Chambless said. “You just have to focus on being the best you can be. It’s for the North Half championship, so the kids will be excited and ready. Again, you just want to get off to a good start and play your game.”
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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