NATCHEZ — J.D. Ealey is leading both by example and vocally for the Cathedral High School football team.

In Friday’s 45-6 win against Adams County Christian School, Ealey was responsible for two Green Wave touchdowns. While at the linebacker position on defense, Ealey recovered a Rebels fumble and ran it back 36 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter.

Ealey added another touchdown on a 31-yard run late in the second quarter to put Cathedral ahead 39-0 at intermission. Green Wave head coach Ron Rushing said Ealey is someone that has really stepped into a leadership role as a senior, and Friday’s game only proved it.

“He plays as hard as anyone on the field,” Rushing said. “He just gives great effort every time he plays. He’s really stepped into a vocal leadership role this year as a senior. He’s always played hard, but he’s really started to be more vocal.”

Then again, Rushing said Ealey has never really been at a loss for words.

“He’s never been quiet,” Rushing said. “He’s always led by example with the way he plays, but I really talked a lot to the team about being vocal leaders and taking over.”

And Rushing said all teams need those kinds of leaders if they’re going to have a successful season.

“You always have kids that play hard and play by example, but you can have someone that can really take control (of the team),” Rushing said.

“At practice, if a player’s not practicing hard or isn’t really focused, those are the guys who will bring it to attention and let that player know about it.”

Cathedral has a bye week this week, and will host Loyd Star Sept. 2.

Jefferson County

Jefferson County High School came from behind in the fourth quarter Friday to edge Trinity Episcopal 28-17. Senior quarterback Monroe Barnes Jr. accounted for the Tigers’ final two touchdowns with less than five minutes remaining to seal the win for Jefferson County.

Jefferson County head coach James Herrington said his team’s ability to come from behind late in the game carries over from last year’s squad.

“With the senior group we had (last year), they came from behind in several big games,” Herrington said. “A lot of these guys played right next to those guys and helped teach these kids how to win. It was just in them.”

Barnes completed his final seven passes of the game, and Herrington said Barnes showed Tiger fans why he’s the starter at quarterback.

“Earlier this year, a lot of people here were asking who the quarterback was going to be this year,” Herrington said. “His experience showed (Friday) night, and one of the things that helped him win the job was his experience. He was able to stay poised and lead the team.”

But Herrington also said his defense deserves a lot of the credit for Friday’s win.

“They played extremely hard throughout the whole game and kept the game within reach,” Herrington said. “They brought an extreme amount of pressure to Trinity’s quarterback in the third quarter to help put us in scoring position.”

Jefferson County will play at Natchez High Friday.