Local teams step it up for postseason

Published 12:05 am Monday, November 8, 2010

NATCHEZ — For the first time since 1997, the Cathedral Green Wave are regional champions.

It came down to the final game of the regular season Friday, but the Green Wave turned up the heat on Salem High School after a sluggish first half.

Cathedral came out on top 30-8, and head coach Ron Rushing said he told his team at the half against Salem that they needed to play with more emotion.

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“It was cold, we didn’t get anything going offensively early in the game,” Rushing said.

“We talked about it at the half, and said we weren’t playing with emotion. We got into a rhythm in the second half and started playing with a little emotion.”

With the first round of the South State playoffs starting Friday, Rushing said his team would have to start better against Noxapater High School.

“From the first snap, we need to get things going early next week,” Rushing said. “It’s do or die now, and everyone’s 0-0. We have to come out early and put pressure on the other team.”

Natchez, Trinity, ACCS

The Bulldogs secured a playoff berth with a 33-25 win over Hattiesburg High School Friday.

Quaterback Javon Washington led in rushing with 137 yards and two touchdowns. Kevin Bailey added 59 yards.

Washington was also 17-of-32 for 207 yards and touchdowns. Trevon Chatman led in receiving with 67 yards on six receptions.

Trinity won its game against Wayne Academy in the first round of the MAIS Class A South State playoffs.

Kent King rushed for three touchdowns, and Givonni Dent threw for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Tip McKenzie had three catches for 80 yards and a touchdown.

ACCS fell to Brookhaven Academy 52-28. The Rebels’ rushed for 241 yards, but was just 3-of-17 in passing for 74 yards.

ACCS finished 8-4 on the season.

Ferriday and Vidalia

Ferriday secured a LHSAA District 2-2A title with a 32-22 win over Farmerville on the road. While the game might have been considered an upset, it wasn’t an upset in head coach Chad Harkins’ eyes.

“The better team won,” Harkins said. “I thought Farmerville was a solid football team with great athletes, but we ended up being a little more physical and executed better.”

A physical style of play is something Harkins has been trying to establish all season, and he was very happy with what he saw Friday.

“That’s what football is to me, and that’s why I feel comfortable at Ferriday,” he said.

“We’re known for our physical brand of football, and that’s the type of teams I coach to play.”

Vidalia got its second win of the season in the team’s final game of the season with a 40-28 win over Jena High School. Vidalia finished 2-8 overall, 1-5 in LHSAA District 3-3A.