photo by Hannah Reel

Ferriday running back Bobby Madison gains yardage during the Trojans’ 33-14 first round playoff victory against Welsh last Friday night. The Trojans hit the road to play Farmerville in the second round Friday night.

Ferriday looks to avenge loss to Farmerville

By Michael Kerekes (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Thursday, November 19, 2009

FERRIDAY — A final score on the minds of the Ferriday High Schools players and coaches is 44-24.

That was the score Farmerville High School defeated Ferriday by at the Trojans’ home field back on Nov. 6.

Now, the Trojans are set to face Farmerville again Friday, this time on the road, in the second round of the LHSAA Class 2A state playoffs.

“I don’t know if having seen them already is an advantage or not, but they whipped our butt pretty badly last time,” Ferriday head coach Freddie Harrison said.

“Hopefully it’ll give us motivation to come out and play hard since they took it to us the first time.”

Harrison said missed opportunities doomed the Trojans last time they played Farmerville.

“We had opportunities to score, but didn’t capitalize,” Harrison said. “This time around, we have to stop their running game. We can’t let them have three- or four-play drives. We have to make them earn it.

“We have to capitalize on opportunities and stop them in key situations. They’re going to move the ball, we’re just going to have to buckle down at certain times and get their offense off the field.”

Junior Trojans receiver DeVonante Scott had a big game against Farmerville last time they faced. He tallied 333 all-purpose yards, including one rushing touchdown, one touchdown reception and one kickoff return for a touchdown. Scott said he and his teammates would come out motivated Friday.

“They took the district title away from us, so we have to come back and play hard,” Scott said.

Harrison and Scott both described Farmerville’s offense as being a power running offense, but Harrison said his team would also have to respect the Farmer’s passing game.

“You don’t want to let them fool you,” Harrison said. “They can pass it too. They have a lot of good athletes, and they do what they do very well.”

The offensive and defensive lines decide most football games, and Harrison expects that to remain true Friday.

“This week will be a battle of the trenches again,” Harrison said. “Whoever wins the battle of the trenches will win the game, both on the offensive line and defensive line.”

Ferriday (8-3) will kick off in Farmerville at 7 p.m. Friday.