Ferriday ‘Blocked’ from victory

Published 12:53 am Saturday, September 8, 2012

Block High School’s William Cummings makes a carry as Ferriday High School’s Marlon Jackson and Jaylen Neal close in for the tackle during the game Friday at Ferriday. Block defeated Ferriday, 21-6. (Lauren Wood \ The Natchez Democrat)

FERRIDAY — Nearly every good start turned fruitless Friday night for the Ferriday High Trojans, while neighboring Block High School seized the low-hanging opportunities.

The Trojans lost their home opener to the Bears 21-6.

Ferriday produced little in way of a rushing attack and gave up 212 yards on the ground to Block.

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Ferriday (0-2) didn’t convert a first down until 8:34 in the third quarter, and head coach Cleothis Cummings said his team was unable to set any kind of tempo.

“You have to start something to finish it, and we just didn’t start,” Cummings said. “I thought the guys were ready to play, but the scoreboard showed differently.”

Just like last week against Vidalia High School, Block (2-0) scored all of its touchdowns in the first half, and head coach Benny Vault Jr. said he was happy his team was able to get ahead early.

“I thought we played well in the beginning,” Vault said. “The defense played really well. I think that opening drive set the tone for the game.”

The Bears were able to milk more than seven minutes off the clock after receiving the opening kickoff, marching down the field and scoring on a 9-yard run by William Cummings.

After the ensuing kickoff, Ferriday fumbled on its opening play on offense, but the Bears were unable to score off the turnover.

Block scored again on a 16-yard reception by Dorian Bowman from quarterback Trevor Vault with 9:20 left in the second quarter. Later in the quarter, a 34-yard catch by Bowman kept a Bears drive alive, setting up a 10-yard touchdown carry by Mario Bowman with 3:22 left before halftime.

The Bears moved the ball for much of the second half but were unable to score any more points, and Benny Vault Jr. said his team’s second-half scoring troubles are signs that his players are young.

“We’ve been playing sloppy the last two games in the second half, because we have a lot of young guys, and they get content,” Vault said. “That’s what young guys (do). They think they’ve done their job, and we’re up 21 points, and the same thing happened last week with Vidalia.”

Ferriday finally got on the board as time expired in the fourth quarter when Adrian Wiggins scored on a 14-yard pass from backup quarterback Ronald Davis.

The Trojans were without starting quarterback Shannon Morales, who dislocated his shoulder last week during their game with Natchez High School. Cummings said he’s unsure when Morales will return.

“Shannon is a good kid, a good quarterback, but we can’t dwell on (his injury) right now,” Cummings said. “Ronald is a good kid, and he’s doing a real decent job.”

Davis went 8-for-14 for 76 yards and one interception for Ferriday. Trevor Vault was 3-for-5 with 78 yards and a touchdown.

William Cummings led the Bears in rushing with 86 yards, and Ken Colbert added 78 yards on the ground for Block.

Cleothis Cummings said Lee Quinn and Dontrell Domino both sustained injuries for Ferriday that forced them to be transported by ambulance, but he was unsure of the extent of their injuries. Benny Vault Jr. said Colbert might have sustained a slight concussion during the game.

Block will play at Jena High School Friday, while Ferriday will host Vidalia High School.