Jefferson County gets off to good start

Published 12:09 am Thursday, September 20, 2007

FAYETTE — What a way for the Jefferson County Tigers to begin the Region 7-3A portion of the 2007 season after a solid 3-0 start, including a come-from-behind win over Natchez High.

Jefferson County will have its hands full with the 2-1 Amite County Trojans. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Jefferson County head coach James Herrington won’t have to worry about his players being distracted this week. And against a good Amite County team, that’s a good thing.

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“Offensively, Amite County looks to run first. They have a speedy quarterback in Jeremy Snowden. He’s a running back at the quarterback position,” Herrington said. “Our biggest concern is the size they have up front. They have several 300-pounders on the defensive and offensive lines. They have a very hard runner in Tray Bateaste.”

Jefferson County’s defense has faced two double-wing-T offenses in Port Gibson and Crystal Springs the last two weeks. The Tigers’ defense will not change because of that.

“James Brown and Gabriel Jackson both weigh over 300 pounds and both are at least 6-2,” Herrington said. “That’s definitely our biggest concern, neutralizing them up front. If we do that, we’ll have some success.”

Despite the size and weight difference between Jefferson County’s offensive line and Amite County’s defensive line, the Tigers will still utilize its balanced offense, which has been very effective so far this season. Last week against Crystal Springs, the Tigers finished with 350 yards of total offense.

“Trying to mix the run with the pass to keep them guessing,” Herrington said. “Try to use our speed to wear down their defensive line.”

Percy Turner didn’t have a good game, but not a bad game either in a 28-0 win over Crystal Springs. Turner completed just 13 of 39 passes, but those 13 completions went for 207 yards and, more importantly, no interceptions. Dorian Gray led the way with two touchdowns – one on offense and one on defense.

Amite County runs a 50-front with the size the Trojans’ defensive line has to its advantage. “They’re not very small at the linebacker position, either,” Herrington said. From watching them on film, they have some speedy guys (in the secondary).”