Print this story |
E-mail story |
This story has 14 comments Add your own |
iPod friendly | Bookmark this
What is this?
photo by Courtesy of the Sun Herald
Natchez running back Joel Davis fights for yardage against Ocean Springs Friday. The Bulldogs lost 35-12, ending their season.
Natchez's playoff run ends with loss to Ocean Springs
Published Saturday, November 21, 2009
OCEAN SPRINGS – Ocean Springs is going back to the South State championship game.
The Greyhounds earned their first chance to play for a South State title since 2004 thanks to an explosive offense led by Allen Howze and Joe Morrow, and a tenacious defense that held the high-powered Natchez Bulldogs in check.
Ocean Springs rolled up 417 yards of offense en route to a convincing 35-12 win over Natchez in the second round of the Class 6A state playoffs at Greyhound Stadium/Hugh Pepper Field Friday night.
“They don’t send out invitations to South State,” Ocean Springs coach Todd Mangum told his team, after they improved to 11-2. “You have to earn it.”
The ‘Hounds did just that, and they will travel to Oak Grove next week to play in the South State title game. Oak Grove eliminated Meridian, 42-28, Friday.
Natchez (9-4) was averaging 31 points a game, but Ocean Springs came up with three turnovers and a great goal-line stand to stop the Bulldogs.
“For our defense to hold that offense to 12 points is a major accomplishment,” Mangum said. “For us to hold them at the end was huge because they can score in a hurry.
Ocean Springs’ offense gained over 400 yards for the second straight game.
Howze rushed for 167 yards on 22 carries and scored two touchdowns on runs of 72 and 13 yards. He’s excited to be playing next week for a chance to go to the state title game.
“It’s an awesome feeling,” said Howze, who scored both of his TDs in the final period to help the ‘Hounds pull away. “I felt great in the fourth quarter. Their defense got tired and our offensive line took advantage.”
The OS ‘O’ line allowed the ‘Hounds to rush for 327 yards. Dewayne Cherry had 102 yards on 12 carries, and quarterback Sam Noblin added 46 yards, including a 4-yard TD run.
Noblin also hit Morrow for a 73-yard touchdown pass in the first period. Morrow stretched to make the catch and then out ran their Bulldog secondary.
“Coach asked what route I wanted and I just ran a fly,” said Morrow, who had two catches for 90 yards. “Sam (Noblin) put the ball right in my hand.”
Morrow may have been more impressive on defense.
In the first period, Morrow had three takeaways on the Bulldogs’ first three possessions. His interception of Natchez QB Javon Washington setup the ‘Hounds first score, thanks to his 43-yard return.
Justin Danise kicked the first of his two field goals after that theft with 9:10 left in the first period to give OS a 3-0 lead.
Morrow intercepted another Washington pass on the Bulldogs next series. Washington had over 1700 yards passing coming in, but Morrow had his number.
“I was watching their quarterback’s eyes,” Morrow said of Washington, who finished 13 of 25 for 140 yards and a 16-yard TD to Santorius Pollard. “The quarterback was eyeing his receivers.”
The next time Natchez had the ball Washington hit Kevin Bailey for a big gain, but Morrow stripped the ball and recovered the fumble.
Two plays later, Noblin hit Morrow for the 73-yard TD and the ‘Hounds were up 10-0 with 2:34 left in the first period.
The Greyhounds used a 75-yard drive to pad their lead early in the second period. Noblin capped the 12-play march with a 4-yard run and OSHS led 17-0 with 7:52 left in the first half.
Natchez responded with a 14-play, 81-yard drive and Washington’s 16-yard TD toss to Pollard cut the gap to 17-6 with 2:33 left in the half.
OS had a long drive to start the third period, but it stalled. Danise booted a 22-yard field goal to capped the 85-yard march and the ‘Hounds led 20-6 with 6:00 to go in the third.
But the Bulldogs came right back and Washington capped an 80-yard drive with a 7-yard TD run to trim the ‘Hounds’ lead to 20-12 with 41 seconds left in the third.
Howze and the ‘Hounds controlled the final period.
Howze scored on a 13-yard sweep around left end with 10:57 left in the game to make it 28-12.
Natchez didn’t quit, however, and drove to OS 2-yard line. Jacob Souers stopped Joel Davis for a 2-yard loss, and then Charles Watson broke up a pass in the end zone to bring up a fourth down.
Washington was headed for pay dirt on the fourth-down play, but a gang of ‘Hounds held him up and J.T. Dickson finished him off.
“That was huge,” said the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Dickson. “He was held up and I hit him at about the 2 inch line. That was a big stop.”
The ‘Hounds responded with a 99-yard drive, capped by Howze’s 72-yard run to finish off the Bulldogs.
Now the ‘Hounds are off to Oak Grove.
“We have a huge … huge opportunity to play for a South State Championship,” Mangum said.
The ‘Hounds take a five-game win streak into Oak Grove, and are one win from their first trip to the state title game since 2004.
Comments
Posted by Big_Red16 (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 3:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WE are still proud of our BULDOGS!!! Keep your heads up DAWGS you had a good season. To the seniors I wish you well in whatever you do.Take what you have learned from your coaches and build on it.Good luck to you all.Returning players next season starts NOW. Work hard and next year will be your year.Stay dedicated. LUV DEM DAWGS. Keep improving!!!!
Posted by butch (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In end it will be Oak Grove vs ?
Posted by Kdog (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I afraid Ocean Springs would be too good. They have a lot more talent than Petal. Oak Grove should win the whole thing. They have outstanding talent.
Posted by pbl1978 (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To the players, coaches, parents, faculty and staff of Natchez High Football team. Words can't say of how proud I'm of all of you. You guys proven to yourself, and everyone else You Can Do It. I admire the team work that you all kept with one another during the entire season, always willing to lend the other a helping hand when needed. Special thank to Mr. Busher, for having the time and patient they needed during this marvelous football season. Mr. Moore you are one of a kind. No matter how far they travel, you are right with them. Not only for football, but other sports also. Mr. Moore all I can say is that you're one dedicated principal for Natchez High School. My God not to mention the parent's of the late Larry Brown, both parents attended all games, and any other events that the NHS football team had. Mr. & Mrs. Brown when I see the two of you, both always has a smile greeting and talking with friends of Larry. For the two of you always keep that smile and spirit that the two of you have and carry daily. NHS football team if God bless you all to be a player of NHS during the 2010-2011 football season that's going to be your year. Just keep the FAITH.
Posted by 4jandme (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
man yall did yall thang yesterday specially my boy javon he was holding up ocean spring got sum grown men the quaterback is 6"4 thats 2 big i was there with the band (Natchez High Drumline all the way)
Posted by butch (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Off the subject, 4jandme what happened to Natchez High band . I remember it being a lot larger than it is now . Never mind , kids don't want to play in the band I guess .
Posted by 214cur (anonymous) on November 22, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Luck Dawgs!! Yall had a good season dis year now its time to concentrate on da 2010-2011 season i believe yall gne make it 2 da 6A championship next year!!!!
Posted by do_it (anonymous) on November 22, 2009 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez High Bulldogs wrote another chapter in the history books. You manage to set precedence once again 9 wins in one season, back to back playoff seasons. Thanks for another winning season. You are on the right road. Keep working and you are going to get to write another chapter in the sports of Natchez High School.
We still got a few more chapters to write before the fat lady sings. Now that the football season has come to a close and some of you will be moving on to other sports remember the academic season is still rolling right along. I want you to be as successful off the field as you were on. The ACT is serious, and one of the most important chapters in high school you will ever get to write. A good score will most definitely get you to the next level. If you have not done so, you need to look up the NCAA Clearinghouse, and see what you need to do to qualify for Division 1 sports. The ClearingHouse will open doors you have never imagined.
I still remember the recruiting days of my daughter, and that time was awesome. Harvard University was the first to come knocking, after that it was just like a flood gate had been open. Schools like, Miami, USC,U-Texas, U-Florida, Notre Dame, West Point Academy, Stanford, UCLA, Yale, Miss-State, Ohio, Columbia,Florida State, just to name a few. After clearing the Clearinghouse there were over 350 scholarships offered academically and athletically. They all offered a full ride. The recruiting trips was everything a athlete and parents could ask for. Just think what they will do for a football player. Please get on board academically and take the ride of a life time. Most of you know who I am, if you need any ACT books I have a few, and Coach got CD's on taking the ACT. By the way Coach Steve Davis Knows Math.
Posted by troypage (anonymous) on November 22, 2009 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez your offense was scary to a lot of opponents this year . Defense was good but when you get this deep it's the teams with the best defense that moves on . Natchez will be in it for sure next year . Just work hard on your defense during the off season . Way to go Dawgs !
Posted by TRON601 (anonymous) on November 23, 2009 at 6:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Im especially proud of our boys. I've been been backing you up and pissing people with my comments on here in my showing tenacious support of you all. I woke up Saturday morning early just to call my brother down there to see if NHS had advanced. But thats ok boys. You did great this year and as the article said, you definitely earned much deserved respect. This program has really turned around a lot since the early 2000's. The most important part of the season is upon you now. Forking forward to graduation and moving on to college or whatever you seniors decide; and the underclassmen prepping for next year and committing to the off-season. Make it count but remember that the team must carry each other always. Have a good off-season NHS.
Posted by TRON601 (anonymous) on November 23, 2009 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To Butch and ALL:
In the 6A bracket according to Maxpreps.com
Ocean Springs(11-2) at Oak Grove (10-2)
South Panola (12-1) at (Madison Central (13-0)
Since you said Oak Grove will beat Ocean Springs, I think Madison Central will get it done next week.
Posted by 214cur (anonymous) on November 23, 2009 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
South Panola gone win it all again.maybe next year Natchez High can make it to the 6A title game and get them a ring
Posted by brock (anonymous) on November 23, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In a slug fest on a dry field I'll take South Panola over Madison Central . South Panola will slow their offense down like a sand wall . Oak Grove and S.P. in the finals .
Posted by TRON601 (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah. They do have the ability to control the tempo of any game. I'm still trying to figure out how they lost that one game at home to Memphis University High School (Memphis, TN) back in Week 3; score 21-19. But that school is 12-0 anyway and appears to be playing for the championship on Dec 3rd. I think Natchez will bounce back and go just as far if not further. But the defense needs to be the focus in the off-season in my opinion. Defense is the name of the game in the play-offs. Ocean Springs is a good ball club, but I think Oak Grove will handle business in the longrun. They are THAT GUY tht happened to beat Meridian twice already, they are definitely some contenders in my book. I just hate that its not Natchez playing them again for the south state game.
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)